Always Follow the 1/3 Rule for Lawn Mowing!

Maintaining a healthy, lush lawn requires more than just regular mowing; it's crucial to follow proper techniques to avoid causing damage to your grass. One of the most important guidelines to follow is the 1/3 rule for lawn mowing. This rule involves only cutting off the top third of the grass blades during each mowing session. This helps to keep your lawn in North Carolina at an ideal height and leaves enough leaf surface for photosynthesis.

If you skip a week of mowing and your grass is longer than normal, you should still follow the 1/3 rule. While your grass will still be taller than normal after the first mowing session, you can cut off another third the following week, and eventually, you will get it back down to an ideal height.

What is the 1/3 rule for lawn mowing?

The 1/3 rule is a fundamental guideline for lawn mowing that emphasizes never cutting more than one-third of the grass blade's height during any mowing session. This rule aims to maintain lawn health by ensuring that a substantial portion of the blade remains intact. Grass relies on its blades for photosynthesis, converting sunlight into the energy needed for growth. By following the 1/3 rule, you help your lawn continue to photosynthesize effectively, preventing damage from cutting too much of the leaf surface at once. This approach also prevents "scalping," which can hinder the plant's ability to produce food and expose the soil to excessive sunlight, leading to moisture loss. Respecting the 1/3 rule ensures that your lawn remains healthy and resilient against environmental stresses.

Following the 1/3 mowing rule helps your grass grow as healthy as it can be.

Following the 1/3 mowing rule is more than just maintaining aesthetics; it fosters healthier grass. Grass blades, like all plants, use photosynthesis to create food. If you cut them too short, you’re reducing the plant's ability to photosynthesize, therefore hindering its growth and overall health. By only trimming a third of the blade, you leave enough leaf surface for the grass to produce sufficient food.

Additionally, taller grass blades provide shade to the soil, reducing evaporation and helping the lawn retain moisture. This is particularly beneficial during hot weather, ensuring the root system remains cool and hydrated. Healthy grass can also better compete with weeds, making your lawn greener and more robust without the need for excessive weed control products.

What if you skip a week of mowing and your grass is longer than normal?

Life happens, and sometimes you might skip your regular mowing schedule. If your grass is longer than usual, you might be tempted to cut it all back in one go. However, sticking to the 1/3 rule even in this scenario is crucial.

If you skip a week and find your grass has grown significantly, don’t panic. Cut only one-third of the grass height. Your lawn might look a bit longer than usual, but this is a temporary situation. By maintaining the 1/3 rule, you avoid shocking the grass, which could lead to browning or damage. After a week, you can mow again, trimming another third off the length. Gradually, you’ll return your lawn to its ideal height without compromising its health.

Call us today to sign up for our lawn mowing service.

Mowing your grass may seem like a straightforward task, but it must be done properly to avoid causing any stress to your lawn. That's where we can help! Here at Carolina Turf Lawn and Landscape, we offer a professional lawn mowing service that involves cutting your grass every week to keep the grass blades at the ideal height and ensure your lawn looks its best year-round. If you schedule this service for the first time, our team can do a one-time cut on your lawn!

Our team follows the 1/3 rule when mowing your lawn to ensure that we don't cut off too much of your grass at once. This service also includes string-trimming grass in hard-to-reach areas, edging along hard surfaces, and blowing debris off of your hardscaping features during each visit to keep your entire property looking great. This service is offered to residential and commercial properties, as well as HOAs, in Matthews, Weddington, Ballantyne, NC, and throughout the surrounding areas. Give us a call today at (704) 649-0430 to sign up for our lawn mowing service.