Spring Mowing Tips for a Healthy Lawn
Spring is ALMOST here, and it’s time to start thinking about your first mow of the season! Proper mowing practices set the foundation for a lush, green lawn all year long. Follow these key tips to get your grass off to a great start:
First Spring Mow Tips
Scalping your lawn too early can cause stress and leave it vulnerable to weeds, disease, and temperature swings. We HIGHLY recommend waiting until the first green chutes of spring begin popping for your first mow. We also recommend checking the two week forecast to avoid a hard freeze right after cutting. Keeping your grass at the proper height helps:
- Insulate the Soil from Frost – Taller grass acts as a natural barrier, protecting roots from late-season cold snaps.
- Boost Pre-Emergent Effectiveness – A properly maintained lawn enhances the performance of pre-emergent weed control, helping prevent unwanted weeds.
- Shades the Soil – Longer blades of grass help retain moisture and block out sunlight, reducing weed seed germination.
When to Scalp
Wait until you see the first green shoots of spring before considering a scalp. When the time comes, make sure to:
- Remove as many clippings as possible to prevent thatch buildup.
- Avoid cutting too low—cutting your grass too short can damage the turf, increase weeds, and causes other problems later in the season.
- Optimal heights for Bermuda are 1 – 1 ½ in.
- Optimal height for Zoysia is 2 – 2 ½ in.
*These are just basic recommendations – if you maintain your lawn at a lower cut height all season then you can be more aggressive with the first cut.
- One and Done – scalping should be a one-time spring practice, NOT an all-season habit.
A smart start to your mowing routine means a thicker, healthier lawn and fewer weeds all season long!
As always, we are here to help with all of your landscaping and turf care needs.
