Mowing height 101
At Blooming Blades Lawn Care, we know that mowing your lawn seems simple, but it’s actually one of the most important parts of keeping your grass healthy and beautiful. One small detail that makes a huge difference is mowing height. Cutting your grass too short or too tall can affect its color, thickness, and ability to resist weeds and drought.
If you want a lawn that looks lush, green, and professional all season long, this guide will teach you everything you need to know about the proper mowing height for Bloomington, MN lawns and surrounding areas.
Why Mowing Height Matters
Grass isn’t just something to be trimmed — it’s a living plant that needs the right balance to thrive. The height you mow at directly affects how your lawn grows, how deep the roots reach, and how well it can handle stress from heat or lack of rain.
In Minnesota, most lawns are made up of cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and perennial ryegrass. These types of grasses grow best when they’re kept a little longer, especially during warm or dry weather.
The Ideal Mowing Height
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best mowing height for your yard:
Kentucky Bluegrass
2.5" – 3.5"
Keep on the higher end during summer heat.
Fine or Tall Fescue
3" – 4"
Taller height helps retain moisture and reduce weeds.
Perennial Ryegrass
2.5" – 3"
Performs best when not cut too short.
In general, aim for around 3 inches during most of the growing season. This height protects the soil from sun exposure, helps the grass shade out weeds, and keeps roots deeper and stronger.
The One-Third Rule
A golden rule in lawn care is the “one-third rule.”
Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing.
For example, if your lawn is 4.5 inches tall, mow it down to about 3 inches. Cutting too much at once can shock your grass, make it turn brown, and cause stress that leads to thinning or bare spots.
Adjusting Mowing Height by Season
Bloomington’s seasons can be tough on lawns, so it’s smart to adjust your mowing height throughout the year:
Spring:
Start mowing once the grass reaches about 3.5 to 4 inches. Set your mower around 3 inches to encourage steady, healthy growth.
Summer:
Raise your mower blade slightly — up to 3.5 or 4 inches. Taller grass shades the soil, keeps roots cooler, and conserves moisture during hot Minnesota days.
Fall:
Gradually lower your mowing height back to around 2.5 to 3 inches for your final cuts of the year. This helps prevent matting under snow while still protecting the root system.
Pro Tips from Blooming Blades Lawn Care
Keep your mower blades sharp. Dull blades tear the grass, causing brown tips and making your lawn more vulnerable to disease.
Vary your mowing pattern. Alternate directions each time you mow to prevent soil compaction and ruts.
Leave your clippings. As long as they’re short, grass clippings can act as a natural fertilizer by returning nutrients back into the soil.
Stay consistent. Regular mowing (about once a week during peak growth) keeps your lawn even, healthy, and beautiful.
Why Hire a Professional Lawn Care Service
If you want your yard to look picture-perfect but don’t have the time to manage it yourself, Blooming Blades Lawn Care is here to help. We offer professional mowing services in Bloomington, MN as well as surrounding areas, tailored to your grass type, soil, and property needs.
Our experienced team knows the ideal mowing height, schedule, and techniques to keep your lawn thick, green, and thriving throughout Minnesota’s changing seasons.
Let’s Keep Your Lawn Blooming
A great-looking lawn starts with simple, consistent care, and mowing height is one of the most important steps. Whether you’re maintaining your own yard or want the experts to handle it for you, Blooming Blades Lawn Care is proud to help Bloomington homeowners achieve lawns they love.
Contact us today to learn more about our lawn mowing services and get your lawn on the path to perfection.
