When it comes to mowing your lawn, the height at which you should cut it depends on the type of grass you have. Different grass types have varying height requirements to maintain their health and appearance. For example, perennial ryegrass, fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass are common in Oregon, and each has its own ideal mowing height. However, regardless of your grass type, a general rule of thumb is to never cut more than one-third off the top of the grass blades. This helps prevent stress and damage to the lawn. To ensure it is cut to the ideal height, it's best to hire professionals to mow your lawn. They have the knowledge and experience to mow your lawn correctly based on your specific grass type.


The Ideal Mowing Height Depends on Your Grass Type

Fenced backyard in Gresham, OR, with recently mowed lawn.

When mowing your lawn, it's important to know the ideal height for your specific grass type. Different grass types have certain preferences for how tall they should be kept, as some can tolerate going shorter while others need to stay longer. In Oregon, you're likely to have one of three common grass types: perennial ryegrass, fescue, or Kentucky bluegrass. Each of these grass types has its own ideal mowing height.

Perennial ryegrass is a cool-season grass that should be kept at a height of around 2 to 2.5 inches, though 2.5 to 3 inches is ideal in the summer to prevent stress. On the other hand, fescue is best kept a little longer, around 3 to 4 inches. Finally, Kentucky bluegrass should be 2.5 to 3 inches primarily and 3 to 3.5 inches in the summer. By maintaining the optimal mowing height for your grass type, you can promote its healthy growth and keep it looking its best.


Always follow the 1/3 rule when mowing your lawn.

It's important to follow the 1/3 rule when mowing your lawn. This rule states that you should never cut more than 1/3 off the top of the grass blades during a single mowing session. Following this rule helps prevent stress and damage to your lawn.

When you cut too much off the top of the grass blades, it can shock the grass and weaken its overall health. The grass needs time to recover and grow back after each mowing session. Not only that, but it also reduces the surface area, inhibiting its ability to perform photosynthesis. By following the 1/3 rule, you allow the grass to maintain its strength and resilience, promoting a healthier and more attractive lawn.

In addition to the 1/3 rule, you should rotate mowing patterns each time you cut your grass to avoid creating ruts.

Hire Professionals to Mow Your Lawn to Ensure It's Cut to the Ideal Height

To ensure that your lawn is cut to the ideal height for your specific grass type, it's best to hire professionals to mow your lawn. Professional lawn care companies have the knowledge and experience to determine the appropriate height for your grass type and adjust their mowing techniques accordingly.

Professionals understand the unique needs of different grass types and can provide the necessary care to keep your lawn healthy and vibrant. They have the right equipment and will incorporate proper techniques to mow your lawn efficiently and effectively, ensuring that it is cut to the ideal height without causing any damage.


Call us to enroll in our lawn mowing service.

At J&C Lawn Care, we offer our professional lawn mowing service to homeowners and business owners in Gresham, OR, and nearby cities, such as Happy Valley and Troutdale. Our team will mow your lawn weekly from March until November, eventually dropping to every 10-14 days by late fall. With us, you can trust that we'll cut it to the right height based on your grass type, as well as handle string-trimming, edging, and blowing debris off hard surfaces! Call us today at (971) 284-2035 to enroll in our lawn mowing service!