Knowing how often to mow your lawn is key to keeping it healthy, green, and looking its best. Mowing too often can stress your grass, while leaving it too long can lead to patchy growth, weeds, and pest problems. Your mowing schedule should change throughout the year based on grass type, weather, and growth rate. If you’re unsure what schedule suits your yard, advice from a local lawn mowing Brisbane professional can help you maintain a healthy, well-kept lawn year-round.

Here’s a practical guide to how often you should mow your lawn in different conditions and seasons.

How Grass Type Affects Mowing Frequency

Different grass varieties grow at different rates and have different ideal cutting heights. Common lawn types in South East Queensland include buffalo, couch, and kikuyu.

• Buffalo grass grows moderately and generally needs mowing every 2–3 weeks during warmer months.

• Couch grass grows faster and often needs mowing every 1–2 weeks in peak growing season.

• Kikuyu grass is fast-growing and may require weekly mowing during summer to keep it tidy and under control.

Knowing your grass type helps you choose the right mowing frequency and cutting height to keep it healthy.

Seasonal Mowing Guide

Grass growth changes throughout the year. Adjusting your mowing schedule to suit the seasons helps prevent stress and encourages stronger growth.

Spring:
Growth increases as temperatures rise. Most lawns benefit from mowing every 1–2 weeks as growth picks up.

Summer:
This is peak growing season. Weekly mowing is common, especially for fast-growing grasses like kikuyu and couch. Avoid cutting too short during hot weather to prevent the lawn from drying out.

Autumn:
Growth begins to slow. Mowing every 2–3 weeks is usually sufficient, depending on rainfall and temperatures.

Winter:
Grass growth slows significantly. Many lawns only need mowing every 3–4 weeks, or sometimes not at all if growth has stopped.

Follow the One-Third Rule

A simple mowing rule to protect your lawn is the one-third rule: never remove more than one-third of the grass blade height in a single mow. Cutting too much at once can shock the lawn, weaken roots, and make grass more vulnerable to heat stress and weeds.

If your lawn has grown long, raise your mower height and gradually reduce it over multiple cuts rather than scalping the grass in one go.

Adjust for Weather and Rainfall

Rainfall and warm temperatures increase growth rates. During wet periods, your lawn may need mowing more often to prevent it becoming overgrown. In dry spells, growth slows and mowing frequency can be reduced.

Avoid mowing wet grass where possible, as it can lead to uneven cuts, soil compaction, and mower damage. Waiting until the lawn is dry helps achieve a cleaner cut and healthier finish.

Keep Your Mower at the Right Height

Mowing height is just as important as frequency. Cutting grass too short weakens it and encourages weeds to take over. Keeping your mower set to the correct height for your grass type helps maintain a thick, healthy lawn.

Longer grass shades the soil, helping retain moisture and reduce weed growth. A slightly higher cut during summer also protects grass from heat stress and sun damage.

Don’t Forget Edge Trimming and Clean-Up

Regular mowing should be paired with edging along paths, garden beds, and fences. This keeps your lawn looking neat and prevents grass from spreading into unwanted areas.

Clearing clippings from hard surfaces also prevents build-up that can stain concrete and create slippery patches after rain.

When to Consider Professional Lawn Mowing

Busy schedules, large yards, or fast-growing lawns can make regular mowing hard to keep up with. Professional mowing services ensure your lawn is cut at the right height, on the right schedule, without the hassle.

Final Thoughts

How often you should mow your lawn depends on grass type, season, and weather conditions. Sticking to a consistent mowing routine, adjusting for growth rates, and avoiding cutting too short will keep your lawn healthy and attractive year-round.

If you’d prefer to leave the maintenance to the pros, using a reliable lawn mowing brisbane service can help keep your lawn looking great without the time commitment.