You should mow your grass every 1 to 2 weeks during the growing season (spring to autumn) and every 3 to 4 weeks during winter. According to Jim's Mowing Survey, only 11% of Australians mow their lawns weekly, while 21% mow them monthly. While the data seems straightforward, the answer to the question “How often should you mow a lawn?” rarely is.
Factors like seasonal timing, the grass type, and even the weather can affect how often you mow your lawn. Our team at Mowrator have created this guide to help you understand how often you should mow your grass in Australia and how it may change based on certain factors.
Key Takeaways
- Mowing frequency depends on seasonal variations, with grass requiring cutting every 1–2 weeks during spring and summer and only every 3–4 weeks in winter due to slower growth.
- Grass type influences mowing needs, as faster-growing species like Buffalo require frequent cutting, while slower-growing varieties like Zoysia need less maintenance.
- Weather conditions impact mowing schedules, with wet weather promoting growth but risking waterlogging, while drought slows growth, reducing the need for frequent mowing.
How Often Should You Mow the Lawn?
You should be mowing every 1 or 2 weeks during spring, summer, and autumn growing seasons. When it is winter in Australia, you only need to bring your lawn mower every 3 to 4 weeks. This frequency is a general guideline, but seasonal variations, grass species, and weather often affect it.
Seasonal Variations
Seasonal variations, such as the shift from spring to winter, affect how often you should mow grass. Intuitively, you will need to mow more during spring and summer (when grass growth rates are the highest) and less as the year continues. Here's a table outlining how Australia's seasons will affect your mowing schedule:
| Season | Mowing Frequency |
|---|---|
| Spring (September to November) | Lawns typically require mowing every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the specific grass type and local weather conditions. |
| Summer (December to February) | During this period, grass continues to grow rapidly, often needing mowing every 1 to 2 weeks. However, extreme heat can stress the grass, leading some homeowners to adjust their schedules and mow less frequently during heatwaves. |
| Autumn (March to May) | Generally, lawns may need mowing every 2 weeks, but this can depend on rainfall and temperature fluctuations. In wetter regions like Tasmania and Victoria, grass may still grow sufficiently to require regular mowing. |
| Winter (June to August) | Grass growth slows considerably during winter months, with many lawns requiring mowing only once every 3 to 4 weeks or even less frequently. In some regions, particularly those with colder climates, mowing may not be necessary at all during this time. |
Grass Types
Each grass species grows at different rates in different climates, which affects how often you should mow your lawn. While most Australian lawns will have one or a blend of the most common types of lawn grasses, knowing how often to mow your lawn grass, fertiliser requirements, and maintenance needs are incredibly important.
For example, Buffalo grass has considerable blade growth and needs frequent mowing. Zoysia, in contrast, grows extremely slowly and requires much less mowing even in peak growing season.
Weather
Abnormal weather affects the growth rate of your grass, which will change how many times you need to bring your lawn mower to mow your lawn. Wet weather will generally create a more lush environment for your lawn that demands more frequent mowing, but it can also lead to waterlogged soil and diseases that make it difficult to cut grass. If your lawn gets wet, always avoid mowing it until it dries.
During long periods of dry weather, you will need to mow less because the lawn's growth is stunted. Most Australian grass species are drought-resistant, but you may need to water your lawn or stop the sun from reaching cold-season grasses during heat waves.
5 Signs That Your Lawn Needs Mowing
The five signs your lawn needs mowing are its height, colour, uneven growth, pests, and visible seed heads. If you don't have a regular lawn care routine for mowing turf, these five signs will alert you that your lawn needs mowing.
Grass Height
When grass grows to approximately 3 inches or more, it becomes overgrown and may become unhealthy. Taller grass can lead to issues such as matting, which reduces sunlight penetration and photosynthesis, ultimately weakening the lawn's overall health.
Grass Colour
Grass that appears dull or yellowish is often stressed or unhealthy, typically due to overgrowth or insufficient nutrients. Overgrown grass can shade lower blades, preventing them from receiving adequate sunlight, essential for photosynthesis and vibrant green colour.
Seed Heads
Grass produces seed heads when it matures and enters its reproductive phase, often due to infrequent mowing. When grass produces seed heads, it expends significant energy, which thins the turf and creates an unkempt appearance; regular mowing removes these excess growths and maintains a healthier lawn.
Uneven Growth
When certain areas of the lawn appear significantly taller than others, it suggests uneven growth patterns that can detract from the lawn's aesthetic appeal. This unevenness can occur due to varying sunlight exposure or soil conditions; regular mowing helps promote uniform growth and prevents areas from becoming too dominant.
Pest Attraction
Tall grass provides ideal hiding spots for pests such as ticks, ants, and mosquitoes, which can lead to infestations in your yard. By mowing regularly, you reduce these habitats and expose pests to sunlight, which can deter them from settling in your lawn; this practice not only keeps your lawn tidy but also minimises potential pest problems.
The key to successfully mowing your lawn is choosing the right lawn mower. Mowrator's S1 Series of remote control lawn mowers can manage tall grass blades up to 50.8 cm, with four Beast™ motors that quickly propel this powerhouse up 75% (37°) slopes. Mow with power and convenience today.
FAQs on How Often Should You Mow Your Grass?
How fast does grass grow?
Grass growth rates vary significantly based on grass type, climate, and soil conditions. For instance, in Australia, sown grasses can achieve growth rates of up to 44 kg/ha/day during favourable conditions in spring and autumn, according to Evergraze. December, January, and February are the months that have the highest growth rates in Australia.
Does putting grass clippings on bare spots help grass grow?
Putting grass clippings on bare spots does not effectively promote grass growth because the clippings primarily consist of decomposed grass matter and do not contain viable seeds. Additionally, a thick layer of clippings can create a mat that smothers existing grass shoots and newly planted seeds, hindering their ability to receive sunlight and nutrients necessary for growth.
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