Let it grow before you mow
When you should mow depends if it’s new grass seed or sod.
Grasses grow best when it’s at least 3 inches tall.
You should only cut a ⅓ of the grass's height at a time.
Knowing when to mow new grass can be a challenge—even for experienced homeowners. But fear not: We can help you determine when to mow based on the type of new lawn.
It’s important to mow new grass at the right time to avoid costly mistakes. For example, if you mow too soon, you could remove your grass by the roots and negate all that hard work. If you need a hand determining when to mow, consult a lawn mowing service for expert advice. Learn the best time to mow new grass in this helpful informational guide.
Prevent lawn mower accidents by removing yard obstacles before mowing, wearing long pants and closed-toe shoes, and avoiding contact with the machine’s hot engine. Don't forget to tune up your mower by changing the filters and replacing the blade annually.
You should wait to mow your grass until it’s at the optimal height before mowing. New grass can sprout after four to 30 days, depending on the type of seed or sod. The number of weeks fluctuates based on your location’s climate, how much water your grass gets, and how much sunlight it receives.
However, when to mow new grass depends on if you are cutting a newly seeded lawn or a new sod lawn.
The best time to mow new grass is approximately 8 weeks after seeding. This waiting period allows the seeds to germinate and establish a strong root system before you mow for the first time.
Typically, you want to wait until the grass is at least 3 to 4 inches tall. Avoid cutting more than a ⅓ of your grass’ height each time you mow. However, you should also base your grass height on the type of grass. For example, warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia grass thrive at shorter lengths of 1½ to 2 inches.
You should be able to mow 2 to 4 weeks after laying sod. Like seed, how quickly the sod establishes itself will depend on climate conditions, type of grass, and amount of sun and water.
However, you can test the sod to see if it’s ready to mow by gently pulling a patch to see if it lifts easily. If it doesn’t pull up and stays in place, it should be safe to mow at a high height as long as it is dry.
Based on your type of grass, research to see if you need any adjustments or consult a local lawn mowing company to help formulate a plan for your new grass.
Eventually mowing will help strengthen grass, but not right away. Mowing newly seeded grass is essential for the health and growth of your new grass—but it might not be ready for the rigors of a powered mower right away.
Mowing your lawn helps strengthen the roots of the grass. Similar to when a person works out, the stress imposed on the grass when the mower passes over it and cuts the top of the blades tells the grass to strengthen its roots so a mower can't pull it out.
Mowing your lawn on a regular schedule also helps create a natural fertilizer for your lawn by recycling organic nutrients back into the soil.
Here are five tips to make mowing your newly seeded grass successful.
Dull blades affect your grass's health and look when you mow your lawn. You want freshly sharpened blades to cut the right amount of grass off and ensure your new grass doesn't grow crooked or patchy.
Sharpen your mower blades with a file, blade sharpening kit, or angle grinder. Be sure to follow safety precautions, such as removing the battery in an electric mower or disconnecting the spark plug wire in a gas-powered mower.
Most mowers are set at 3 inches—don’t go any lower when you first mow. In fact, you might consider raising the blades ½ inch higher to play it safe and encourage deep roots. Each lawn mower is different, so read your user manual to determine best practices. This process should only take a few minutes.
Attach the mower bag to your lawn mower to pick up all the grass it cuts because patches of dead grass could suffocate your newly seeded areas. Dispose of the grass you pick up in bags or a compost pile.
Mowing wet grass tends to gum up a lawn mower, resulting in an uneven cut. Wait an afternoon or even a day or two before going over the grass with your mower, even if your new grass needs it.
Planting seeds is only the beginning of your project task list. Even once it's taken hold and starts growing, new grass seed still needs good conditions to sprout. If it's been particularly hot or dry where you live, water the new patches of grass immediately after you finish.
For the first two weeks, water your new seed twice per day for 10 minutes each time. For new sod, water it for 20 minutes twice per day. After the first two weeks, water once per day for about 20 minutes per session.
Once your grass is established, ensure your lawn gets 1 to 1½ inches of water per week.
Mowing new grass helps it grow by prompting the grass to spread and come in thick. It also prompts the roots to grow stronger and deeper.
You should wait until the new seed has grown and rooted before mowing, usually about 8 weeks. If you plant sod, wait 2 to 3 weeks.
This mowing schedule helps grass spread and grow well, thanks to the hormones in the tips of each blade.
If you wait too long to cut new grass, the grass can go to seed, making your grass look like weeds instead of a lush lawn. An overgrown lawn is also more susceptible to lawn pests, diseases, and weeds.
Cut your new grass as soon as it reaches its optimal height, usually 3 inches, though some grass varieties thrive at 1½ to 2 inches. Only cut ⅓ of your grass’s height each time you mow.
You can thicken new grass by using fertilizer, watering it 1 to 1½ inches per week, mowing when it is at an optimal height, and preventing weeds. You should fertilize your grass while you plant the grass seed, or soon afterward. Use an herbicide to prevent weeds or spot spray with herbicide to kill existing weeds.
