Why Mowing Height Matters in Warm Weather Lawns

As the temperatures rise in suburban Richmond, VA, your lawn’s mowing height becomes more than just a matter of preference — it plays a major role in the health and resilience of your grass.

Too often, homeowners think that cutting the grass short means less mowing. But in warm, humid climates, scalping your lawn can do more harm than good. Here’s why keeping your grass a little taller during the warmer months can make all the difference.

Benefits of Mowing Higher in Warm Weather

1. Stronger Root Systems

Grass that’s cut too short focuses energy on regrowth rather than developing deeper roots. Taller grass encourages a deeper root system, which makes your lawn more drought-resistant and better able to withstand summer stress.

2. Better Moisture Retention

Longer blades of grass create shade at the soil level, reducing evaporation and helping your lawn retain moisture between waterings. That’s especially important during the hotter, drier weeks of summer.

3. Natural Weed Control

Tall, dense grass helps crowd out weeds by limiting sunlight to weed seeds. This natural defense reduces your need for herbicides and keeps your lawn looking fuller and greener.

4. Improved Overall Health

When grass is consistently cut at the right height, it can better photosynthesize, store nutrients, and resist pests and diseases.

Recommended Mowing Heights

Here are general guidelines for common warm-season grasses in our area:

• Tall Fescue: 3–4 inches

• Bermudagrass: 1.5–2 inches

• Zoysiagrass: 1.5–2.5 inches

If you're not sure what type of grass you have, it's safest to mow on the higher end and adjust down gradually if needed.

Pro Tip from ELM Lawn Care:

Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mow. This helps avoid shock and keeps your lawn consistently healthy.