Mowing Lawns - Ask Extension
When should lawns start to be mowed in the Spring?
When should the lawn stop being mowed?
Knowledgebase
Mowing Lawns #893604
Asked March 04, 2025, 2:45 PM EST
When should lawns start to be mowed in the Spring?
When should the lawn stop being mowed?
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Debbie,
Thank you for using Ask Extension.
Mowing your lawn should be based on the desired height of the grass. In general, you shouldn't cut more than a third of the height of the grass. For example, if your grass is 3" high, you should only cut of 1". Grass is easier to cut when dry but that can be challenging during spring in the Willamette Valley (if this is where you are located.)
I have mostly perennial rye and it's starting its spring growth spurt. There are times when I need to mow every five days (not once/week.) This is because the days and nights are close to equal and the grass grows really fast. If you cut back on the water during the summer (Jun-Sep) the growth will slow so the frequency of mowing can easily go down to once every 2-3 weeks. However, if you water your lawn regularly you may need to continue to mow weekly through October.
Thank you for using Ask Extension.
Mowing your lawn should be based on the desired height of the grass. In general, you shouldn't cut more than a third of the height of the grass. For example, if your grass is 3" high, you should only cut of 1". Grass is easier to cut when dry but that can be challenging during spring in the Willamette Valley (if this is where you are located.)
I have mostly perennial rye and it's starting its spring growth spurt. There are times when I need to mow every five days (not once/week.) This is because the days and nights are close to equal and the grass grows really fast. If you cut back on the water during the summer (Jun-Sep) the growth will slow so the frequency of mowing can easily go down to once every 2-3 weeks. However, if you water your lawn regularly you may need to continue to mow weekly through October.
