Ask most homeowners how high they mow their grass and you'll get a shrug. Most people just set it and forget it, usually too low. But mowing height is one of the most impactful decisions you make for your lawn all season long.

Here's what Central Texas homeowners need to know.

The One-Third Rule

The golden rule of mowing: never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. Cut too much at once and you shock the plant, which causes stress, brown tips, and slowed root growth.

If your lawn has gotten too tall, bring it down gradually over several mowings rather than scalping it in one shot.

Recommended Heights by Grass Type

➡️ For Bermuda grass, the sweet spot is 1.5 to 2.5 inches during the growing season.

➡️St. Augustine does best at 3 to 4 inches, which is taller than most people think.

➡️Zoysia likes to keep it between 1 to 2 inches.

➡️Buffalo grass can go even taller, up to 3 or 4 inches, and actually prefers to.

Remember this key tip: When in doubt, mow higher. Taller grass is almost always healthier grass.

Why Low Mowing Hurts Your Lawn

Cutting too short, sometimes referred to as scalping,  removes too much of the leaf blade, which is where the plant produces energy through photosynthesis. It exposes the soil to direct sunlight, which dries it out faster, heats it up more, and creates the perfect conditions for weeds to germinate.

Scalped lawns look thin, go brown quickly, and are much more vulnerable to drought stress.

Raise It in Summer, Especially in Central Texas

As temperatures climb toward triple digits, raise your mower deck to the higher end of the recommended range for your grass type. Taller grass shades the soil, keeps the root zone cooler, and retains moisture longer.

This single adjustment can be the difference between a lawn that survives a Central Texas summer and one that burns up by August.

Keep Your Blades Sharp

Dull mower blades tear grass rather than cut it cleanly, leaving ragged edges that turn brown and create entry points for disease. Sharpen your blades at least once a season, twice if you're mowing frequently.

It makes a noticeable difference in how clean and healthy your lawn looks after each mow.

Let The Guys at Evans Lawn Care Handle It

Mowing right takes the right equipment, the right settings, and consistency. Evans Lawn Care mows at the right height for your specific grass type every single time.

If you'd rather spend your weekends doing something other than pushing a mower in the Texas heat, give Corey a call to get your free routine mowing estimate.