How Often Should I Mow in June? Tips for Healthy Summer Growth

June is when lawns really start showing off—thick, green growth fueled by warm days and occasional rain showers. But with that growth comes responsibility. Mowing too often (or not enough) can impact your lawn's health, appearance, and resilience through summer.

So, how often should you mow your lawn in early summer? Here’s a breakdown to help keep your yard healthy and looking its best this season.

1. Mow Once a Week—Or a Bit More if It’s Growing Fast

A good rule of thumb for early summer is to mow once every 5–7 days. If we’ve had rain and your grass is growing quickly, it might be better to mow every 4–5 days to avoid taking off too much at once.

Why does this matter? When grass grows tall and you remove too much in one cut, it stresses the plant. That can leave your lawn vulnerable to heat, drought, and disease—especially during warm, humid weeks.

2. Follow the One-Third Rule

No matter how fast your lawn grows, never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. Cutting too much at once can weaken the grass and prevent healthy regrowth.

For example:

• If your grass is 3 inches tall, don’t cut it shorter than 2 inches.

• If it’s gotten long during a rainy stretch, raise your mower deck and bring it down gradually over a few mowings.

Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to healthy summer mowing.

3. Keep Your Mower Blade Sharp

A sharp mower blade makes clean cuts, which help grass recover quickly and reduce the risk of disease.
A dull blade tears the grass, leaving ragged brown tips that can make even a well-cared-for lawn look dry or patchy.

If you’re mowing weekly, aim to sharpen your blade at least once a season. It’s a simple way to make a big difference in your lawn’s appearance.

4. Mow When It’s Cool and Dry

Timing your mow can make the job easier and healthier for your grass.

• Avoid mowing during the heat of the day, which can stress both the lawn and the person behind the mower.

• Try to mow in the early evening, when the sun is lower and the grass is dry.

• Avoid mowing wet grass, which can lead to clumping, uneven cuts, and damage to your mower.

Dry, cool conditions give your lawn the best chance to bounce back strong after mowing.

5. Leave the Clippings (Most of the Time)

As long as you’re mowing regularly and not cutting too much at once, there’s no need to bag your clippings. Mulched clippings break down quickly and return nutrients like nitrogen back to the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer.

However, if the grass is very tall or wet, bagging might help avoid thick clumps that can smother areas of the lawn.

Final Thoughts

Regular mowing in June is one of the best ways to support a healthy, lush lawn through the summer months. Following a few basic mowing principles—cut less, cut often, and mow smart—can keep your lawn looking great even when the weather turns hot and dry.

If mowing feels like more of a chore than a joy this season, know that our team at ELM Lawn Care is always here to help.