Lawn Care 101: What Every Homeowner Should Know

Ally Santos

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Landcare DIY


When it comes to lawn care, lawn mowing is one of the most important (and most misunderstood) tasks. Most homeowners mow out of habit, not knowing that timing and technique can make a huge difference in your lawn. So let’s break down three key mowing basics: how often to mow, how tall to keep your grass, and whether to mulch or bag your clippings.

How Often Should You Mow?
In peak growing season, usually spring and early summer, it’s ideal to mow once a week to help your grass growth thicker and prevent weed growth. For fast-growing grasses, they may need to be cut every 4-5 days. During dry spells, every 10-14 days works well. 

Extra Tips:
  • Make sure your lawn mower blades are always sharp and clean to prevent damage
  • Mow your lawn in a different direction each time to encourage upright growth
  • Never mow when the grass is wet!

How Tall Should You Cut Your Grass?
The golden rule: taller is better. Cutting your lawn too short - also known as “scalping” - weakens your grass. It exposes the soil to the sun. Most common grass types thrive when cut between 2.5 and 4 inches. By keeping your grass taller, it retains moisture, encourages deep root growth, and shades out weeds. If you don’t know your grass type, mowing around 3 inches is on the safe side.

Mulching vs. Bagging Those Clippings
For most lawns, mulching is the way to go. When you leave the clippings on the lawn, they decompose quickly and return nutrients to the soil. This can potentially reduce your need for fertilizer over time. Bagging can be useful on certain occasions like if your lawn is overgrown. For routine mowing, mulching is the more efficient way to go and keeps your lawn greener.

In the end, a healthy lawn comes down to consistent care, proper technique, and understanding how your grass grows. Mow regularly, keep your grass at a healthy height, and let nature do some of the work by leaving those clippings when you can. Your lawn - and your weekend - will thank you!

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