Why Mowing Height Matters for Different Grass Types
When it comes to achieving a healthy, green lawn, mowing is often the first thing that comes to mind. Surprisingly, though, not all mowing is created equal. The height at which you mow can be a game-changer—impacting how thick your lawn grows, how deep the roots reach, and how resistant the grass is to pests and diseases. For instance, warm-season grasses like Bermuda thrive with more frequent, shorter cuts often best achieved with a reel mower, while cool-season grasses such as Fescue or Rye typically do better when mowed taller with a rotary mower.
In Bakersfield, CA, and surrounding communities, lawns face unique climate conditions. Summers can get extremely hot, putting your grass under stress if not maintained correctly. Understanding the ideal mowing height for each grass type is key to helping your turf stay robust and green. At Grass Roots, we are licensed professionals focused on frequent, targeted fertilization, strategic herbicide applications, and precise mowing recommendations to ensure your lawn never faces an overwhelming weed outbreak or stress-induced decline.
Warm-Season Grasses: Bermuda and the Reel Mower Advantage
Bermuda Grass Characteristics
Thrives in heat and sunlight
Forms a dense, carpet-like surface
Grows quickly during peak summer months
Responds best to shorter mowing heights (around 1 to 1.5 inches)
One primary reason that Bermuda grass is often found on golf courses and sports fields is that it looks immaculate when kept short. This close-cropped appearance is best achieved with a reel mower. A reel mower uses a series of blades that rotate vertically, acting like a pair of scissors to clip the grass blades cleanly. This type of cut is gentler on the grass than the “chopping” action of a rotary mower, especially at low cutting heights.
Why Reel Mowers for Bermuda
Precise, scissor-like cutting keeps grass tips intact and reduces stress
Helps produce a smooth, even turf surface
Ideal for maintaining the shorter height that Bermuda grass demands
If Bermuda grass is mowed too tall or with a dull, rotary blade, the grass can become stringy, uneven, or develop scalped patches. Proper mowing helps the grass stay thick and uniform, minimizing weed invasion.
Cool-Season Grasses: Fescue, Rye, and the Rotary Mower
Fescue and Rye Grass Characteristics
Prefer moderate temperatures
Grow actively in spring and fall
Benefit from slightly higher mowing heights (generally around 2.5 to 3.5 inches)
While these grasses can tolerate the heat of a Bakersfield summer better than some cool-season varieties, they still face stress during extreme temperatures. Mowing them too low can lead to shallow root systems, making them more susceptible to drought and disease.
Why Rotary Mowers for Fescue and Rye
Efficient for higher mowing settings
Provides the ability to mulch clippings and add nutrients back into the soil
Easier to use on taller grass types
A rotary mower works well for taller-cut grasses because it offers more adjustability for raising the cutting height, and it’s generally more forgiving if your lawn has uneven terrain.
Recognizing When Not to Mow
Even with the right equipment, timing is crucial. Sometimes the best lawn care decision is to avoid mowing altogether if your grass isn’t actively growing or if it’s under severe duress, such as during a heatwave, a period of drought, or a disease outbreak. Mowing a stressed lawn can do more harm than good, as it may weaken the grass further and create an opportunity for diseases to spread.
Signs Your Lawn Shouldn’t Be Mowed
Browning or Wilting: If the lawn has widespread browning or wilting due to heat or water shortage, wait until it recovers with proper watering.
Disease Outbreak: Lawns showing significant fungal spots or disease should be treated or allowed to recover before putting them under stress from mowing.
Dormancy: Cool-season grasses can go dormant in extreme heat, while warm-season grasses might enter dormancy in cooler seasons. Mowing during dormancy could scalp the lawn and weaken it.
The Licensed Professional Advantage
Although some gardeners may offer lawn mowing services, having a licensed professional like Grass Roots manage your lawn care brings an extra layer of expertise and peace of mind. Our team understands the science behind turf growth, soil health, and disease prevention. We fine-tune our approach by:
Applying targeted fertilizer to give your grass the nutrients it needs based on its type and growing season.
Using strategic herbicides that stop weeds in their tracks without harming your lawn.
Adapting mowing schedules to your lawn’s actual needs, saving you from over-mowing or under-mowing.
We recognize that every lawn in Bakersfield and the surrounding communities is unique, influenced by soil composition, local climate, and the grass variety planted. That’s why we customize our service to create a healthier, greener, and weed-free lawn that stands out in your neighborhood.
Best Practices for a Healthier Lawn
Mower Maintenance
Keep blades sharp: A dull blade tears grass, making it more susceptible to disease.
Clean your mower: Remove debris and sanitize blades to prevent spreading lawn diseases.
Adjust Mowing Height Seasonally
During peak growth periods, mow more frequently but keep the correct height.
In high heat or drought, raise the mower deck for cool-season grasses to reduce stress.
Water Wisely
Water deeply but less frequently, ensuring roots grow deeper.
Early morning watering is typically best to reduce evaporation.
Watch for Thatch Buildup
Thatch is a layer of organic material between the soil and the grass.
Too much thatch can block nutrients; periodic aeration and dethatching may be needed.
Fertilize at the Right Time
Warm-season grasses like Bermuda benefit from fertilizer in late spring through summer.
Cool-season grasses like Fescue or Rye should receive fertilizer in early spring and fall.
Ready for a Better Lawn?
Proper mowing techniques—choosing the right mower, setting the correct height, and timing it according to your lawn’s growth cycle—can transform your yard from patchy and stressed to lush and vibrant. These mowing practices, combined with our licensed expertise in fertilization and weed control, allow you to enjoy a green, weed-free turf.
If you’re in Bakersfield or the surrounding areas and want professional lawn care tailored to your specific grass type, contact Grass Roots today. Our focus on frequent, targeted treatments and strategic herbicide applications ensures your lawn always looks its best—no weed outbreaks, just healthy, resilient grass.
Call us to learn more about how our licensed services can keep your lawn thriving, no matter the season or grass type. Our mission is to help you achieve the healthy, green lawn you’ve always wanted.
Thank you for reading! We look forward to working with you to make your lawn the envy of your neighborhood. Let’s grow together—contact Grass Roots for the best lawn care services in Bakersfield, CA, and beyond.