How to mow your lawn
Mowing is one of the most important tasks in establishing a healthy, long-lasting lawn. The first few cuts are especially critical, as they encourage strong root development, improve turf density, and help the grass knit together into a uniform surface.
Whether your lawn contains ryegrass or is made up of finer grass species, following the correct mowing practices from the start will ensure better establishment and a higher-quality finish.
Why the First Few Mowings Matter
Early mowing encourages grass plants to grow sideways (laterally) rather than just upwards. This creates a denser, more resilient lawn that is better able to withstand wear, drought, and seasonal stress. Cutting too early, too short, or too aggressively can weaken young plants and slow establishment.
Mowing a New Lawn Containing Ryegrass
First Cut
When the grass reaches a height of around 5–8cm (2–3 inches), it is ready for its first mow. This initial cut should be very light. The aim is simply to trim the tips of the grass, not to reduce the lawn to its final height immediately.
Gradually lower the mower blades over subsequent cuts until you reach an ideal cutting height of around 25mm (1 inch). This gradual approach prevents shock to the young plants and allows the root system to strengthen.
Subsequent Cuts
Once the lawn has been cut for the first time, mowing should be carried out regularly. As a general rule, avoid removing more than one third of the grass height in any single cut. This helps maintain healthy growth and reduces stress on the grass.
Mowing a New Lawn Without Ryegrass
First Cut
For lawns made up of finer grass species without ryegrass, the first cut should also take place when the grass reaches 5–8cm (2–3 inches) in height. As with ryegrass lawns, the first mow should be light and controlled.
Gradually reduce the cutting height over several mowings until you reach an ideal height of approximately 13mm (½ inch), which is suitable for fine turf and ornamental lawns.
Subsequent Cuts
Regular mowing is key to maintaining a fine lawn, but care must still be taken not to remove more than a third of the grass growth at any one time. Cutting too short too quickly can weaken fine grasses and leave the lawn vulnerable to stress.
Grass should never be mown when it is damp, as this can lead to tearing rather than cutting, resulting in an uneven finish and potential disease issues.
If your mower does not have a roller, gently rolling the lawn after the first cut can be beneficial. This encourages lateral growth and helps create a more closely knit turf.
General Lawn Mowing Advice
The best approach to mowing any lawn is little and often. Regular, light mowing produces a denser, healthier lawn than infrequent heavy cuts.
As the growing season comes to an end, gradually raise the cutting height for the final few cuts of the year. This helps protect the grass over winter and reduces stress during colder conditions.
For best results, we recommend removing grass cuttings rather than leaving them on the surface. This prevents smothering, reduces the risk of disease, and helps maintain balanced soil conditions.
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