Georgia’s warm, humid climate creates an ideal growing environment for warm-season turfgrass. These grass types thrive during the hot summer months and often go dormant during the cooler parts of the year, making proper mowing height through the changing seasons very important to lawn maintenance.
Join the Pro Outdoor team as we go over the best lawn mowing heights throughout the year for your Georgia lawn! Be sure to contact us for more information on our lawn mowing and lawn care services for Georgia after reading.
For most warm-season lawns in Georgia, the recommended mowing height ranges from 1 to 2.5 inches, depending on the grass variety. Maintaining this range allows the turf to grow dense and resilient while resisting stress, pests, and disease. Cutting too short can weaken the grass and expose it to environmental stress, while letting it grow too tall can lead to thatch buildup and shading issues. Below is a quick look at standard mowing heights by common grass types in Georgia.
Common turf types in Georgia lawns:
As the weather begins to warm in early spring, warm-season grasses gradually green up and resume active growth. Spring is the perfect time to prepare your lawn for the peak growing season ahead. Set your mower on the lower end of the recommended range for your grass type. For instance, bermudagrass can be cut to 1 to 1.5 inches during spring to help remove dormant tissue and stimulate new growth.
This lower cut can also help expose the soil to sunlight, warming it more quickly and speeding up green-ups and effects of lawn fertilization. If your lawn has not been scalped or dethatched yet, early spring is a good time to do so before the grass fully emerges from dormancy. Be careful not to cut too low, especially if your turf is still thin or patchy from winter damage.
Why you should go shorter in spring:
Georgia summers can bring intense heat and occasional drought, so your mowing strategy should shift to help the lawn retain moisture and reduce stress. Raise your mower blade to the higher end of the recommended range, typically 2 to 2.5 inches for bermudagrass and zoysiagrass and up to 4 inches for St. Augustinegrass. The additional height allows the grass to cast shade on the soil, slowing evaporation and helping the lawn withstand dry spells.
Taller grass in summer also promotes deeper root systems, which are critical for survival during high temperatures. Keep up with frequent mowing, usually every 5 to 7 days, to avoid removing too much at once.
Benefits of mowing higher in summer:
Fall is a transitional period for warm-season grasses in Georgia. As daylight hours shrink and temperatures cool, grass growth begins to slow down in preparation for dormancy. During early to mid-fall, continue mowing at your summer height. As growth slows, you can gradually lower the mowing height by about half an inch in the final few cuts of the season.
For example, if you’ve been mowing bermudagrass at 2 inches in summer, aim for about 1.5 inches heading into late fall. Reducing the height slightly helps prevent the grass from matting under fallen leaves and improves airflow at the soil level, reducing the risk of fungal diseases during cool, damp weather.
Fall mowing adjustments help with:
During winter, most warm-season lawns in Georgia enter full dormancy and stop growing altogether. You likely won’t need to mow much, if at all, until spring returns. If a few stray green blades or cool-season weeds pop up, it’s safe to mow occasionally to maintain appearances.
Keep your mower blade on the higher side (around 2 inches or more) to avoid scalping any sensitive areas. Don’t fertilize or try to “force” growth during dormancy. Let your lawn rest, and save your energy for spring maintenance and recovery.
Winter mowing tips:
A well-maintained mowing routine is one of the most important habits you can develop for a healthy Georgia lawn. No matter the season, following proper mowing technique makes a big difference in your turf’s long-term health.
Key mowing tips for Georgia lawns:
You can help your Georgia lawn thrive, no matter the temperature and weather, by tailoring your mowing height to the unique conditions of each season. Keeping your grass at the right height promotes deep roots, strong growth, and greater resistance to drought, pests, and disease.
If you’re unsure of the best mowing strategy for your specific grass type or property, consider speaking with a local lawn care professional like Pro Outdoor Landscape Management. We have been mowing and taking care of lawns in the Albany area for years, and we know what it takes to keep your turf maintained all year long. Call us today for a free quote on our lawn care services for Albany, GA!
