The Grass Whisperer: Tips for Mowing
If you’ve ever looked at your grass and wondered if you’re cutting it too high, too low, or just right, then let’s chat about the secret sauce behind a killer lawn: Height of Cut, or as the pros call it, HOC. No, this isn’t a code name for a secret society; it’s just lawn lingo for how tall or short your grass should be.
What the HOC?
HOC, or “Height of Cut,” is basically the Goldilocks zone of grass. Too high, and your lawn starts looking like it’s auditioning for a jungle safari. Too low, and it’s more like a sunbaked patch of sadness. But just right? That’s where the magic happens. Just like people, grasses have personalities. Some are cool and laid-back (like fescue and bluegrass), preferring a taller, relaxed vibe. Others, like zoysia and Bermuda, are more into the tight-and-trim look, rocking a shorter cut. Knowing your grass’s type helps you avoid stressing it out, thinning it down, or turning it into a weed-ridden mess. Ever thought, "If I mow it super low, I can skip a week or two, right?" Well, my friend, that’s like thinking you can skip a meal and not get hangry. Mowing too low is a fast track to a stressed-out lawn that’s begging for a therapist. You’ll invite weeds like crabgrass to take over, since they love all that extra sunlight you’re letting in. Plus, your grass will struggle to find the nutrients it needs, turning what could have been a lush lawn into a sad, patchy wasteland.
Winter HOC: Chill, but Not Too Much
As winter rolls in, it’s tempting to go all or nothing. But when it comes to mowing, moderation is key. Keep your cool-season grasses between 2 to 4 inches before they hunker down for the winter. For warm-season types like Bermuda and zoysia, a shorter cut is okay, but don’t go overboard. Think of it as prepping your lawn for a cozy nap, not a buzz cut.
Merriam Feed Tip: Stay off the lawn when it’s frosty. Your grass doesn’t like being stepped on while it’s chilly, just like you don’t like going out without a jacket.
Spring Mow: Time to Get Low (But Not Too Low)
Come spring, lower that mower a notch or two for the first cut. You’re aiming to trim off the old, brown winter blades and let the sunshine do its thing. Just don’t go overboard—scalping your lawn is never a good look.
Summer HOC: Keep it High and Cool
As the temperature rises, so should your mowing height. A taller cut during the summer helps keep your lawn’s root zone nice and cool, reducing the stress on your grass. Remember, a cool-season grass isn’t a fan of the heat, and keeping it at around 4 inches helps it chill out.
Regardless of your grass type, don’t cut off more than one-third of its height at once. This simple rule keeps your lawn healthy and stress-free—kind of like not binge-watching an entire season of your favorite show in one night (but who are we kidding?).
Dull blades don’t cut grass; they tear it, leaving your lawn looking more like a battlefield than a backyard. Sharpen those blades every ten hours of mowing for a clean cut and a happy, healthy lawn. You’ll know it’s time when your grass starts looking jagged and takes on a yellowish hue—kind of like when you’re overdue for a haircut but keep putting it off.
Mowing wet grass is like trying to spread peanut butter on toast straight out of the fridge—it’s just not a good idea. Wet grass clumps, clogs, and generally makes a mess of things, including your mower blades. Plus, it’s not great for the grass either, so maybe wait until it’s dry.
Before you overseed, give your lawn a low mow. Drop the height a notch or two and let the new seeds soak up all the sunlight they need. Just be careful not to scalp the lawn—this isn’t the time to get reckless.
Whether it’s your regular mow, the last mow of the season, or somewhere in between, remember: your lawn is like a canvas, and the HOC is your brush. Keep it sharp, keep it smart, and your lawn will thank you with a lush, green blanket of perfection—no jungle safari required.
