What Length Should You Cut Your Grass?
(Photo by Adobe Stock)
When it comes to taking care of your lawn and garden, there is plenty of advice passed down through generations. While it may seem like sound information, it may not be true. From old wives’ tales to common misconceptions, myths can lead to confusion and even cause harm in your landscape!
I asked Jeff Wilson, MSU Extension horticulture specialist, what common myth buster he hears this time of the year. His answer?
“It is good to mow and maintain your lawn at a high level.”
That’s a myth! And we’re here to set the record straight. Most people mow their lawn way too high. It’s important to mow frequently and at the proper height. The height of cut depends on the type of grass you have.
Grasses prefer to be maintained at these levels:
- Bermuda: 0.5–1.5″
- Zoysia: 1.0–2.0″
- Centipede: 1.5–2.0″
- St. Augustine: 2.5–3.0″
It’s recommended to scalp Bermuda and zoysia grass this time of year. Scalping grass simply means to mow it very low. This helps keep the grass mowed at the proper height throughout the year. Take note that it is not recommended to scalp centipede or St. Augustine grass.
By getting your lawn and garden advice from MSU Extension, you don’t have to worry about whether the information is a myth or not. We pride ourselves in bridging the gap between research and application!
Get more information by reading Extension Publication 1322, “Establish and Manage Your Home Lawn,” or visit your local Extension office.
Subscribe to Extension for Real Life
Fill in the information below to receive a weekly update of our blog posts.
Recent Posts
April is Financial Literacy Month. What better time to take a good look at your budget? Photo by Adobe Stock/RomanR
Start your own backyard garden and orchard by following these steps.