Lawn Mower Height Settings (Right Height for Different Scenarios)

Adjusting your lawn mower height settings is something you’re going to be doing a lot for a bunch of different reasons. The weather, the time of year, and even the type of grass you have growing in the yard can all require you to adjust the height of your mower.

So, what height should you set your lawn mower to? Well, let’s look at the different factors and scenarios that will determine which height setting to pick.

What Are the Typical Lawn Mower Height Settings?

If you take a look at your lawn mower height settings, you’ll notice that the numbers don’t always represent the actual height of the cut. Usually, they are just a reference you can use to determine how your lawn mower reacts to your grass.

So, your push mower might need to be set to three to achieve a 4-inch cut, whereas a zero-turn might need to be set to five. So, what are the typical lawn mower height settings? Well, there aren’t any.

Figuring Out what the Lawn Mower Height Numbers Mean

To work out what the numbers on your lawn mower mean, you’ll want to carry out a couple of cutting tests. This will enable you to match a real-life cut height that your lawn mower makes to the cut height scale on your lawn mower.

So, set the mower to full height, then cut a small strip on your lawn. Then, take a tape measure and measure the distance from the soil to the top of the cut. Repeat this process, dropping the lawn mower one setting at a time until you reach the cut height you want.

Once you have the results, you’ll see what the actual number means, and you’ll be able to set the height correctly in the future.

Choosing the Right Lawn Mower Height Setting for Today

Now that you have the results of your cutting test, it’s time to figure out where to set your lawn mower. Depending on the grass type you have in your lawn and the weather conditions, you may want to make some adjustments to your mower’s cutting height so that you can keep your lawn in the best possible condition.

Let’s take a look at the different factors that will determine what height to set your lawn mower blade height.

Choosing Lawn Mower Height Settings To Match your Grass Type

For lawn grass to do well, it must be mowed to a certain height. This means it’s important to know what the ideal cut length is for your particular lawn. For example, St. Augustine should be mowed at 2½  to 3 inches, Floratam should be cut at 3 to 4 inches, and Tall Ficus 2 to 3 inches.

Now, I know that these cut heights only differ by a very small amount, but it can make the difference between a good lawn and a bad lawn.

Picking a Cutting Height for Different Grass Conditions

When you cut your lawn, you start a process that makes the grass grow thicker with deeper roots. But this is when the grass is healthy and growing well. If your lawn isn’t doing so well or you have new sod, then you will want to cut it longer. So, you’ll need to adjust the cutting height.

This is also true for some grasses that are grown in the shade, such as St. Augustine. It’s recommended that you cut St. Augustine an extra ½ inch longer if it’s being grown in the shade. So, as you see, you’ll need to adjust your mowing heights for different parts of the lawn.

Lawn Mower Height Settings for Seasons & Weather

Many types of grass like to be cut longer during the hot summer months so that they can cope with the heat better. As an example, Kentucky Bluegrass does much better if you mow at 2 ½  to 3 inches in the spring and fall months, then 3 to 3 ½  inches in the summer months.

Never Cut More than a Third

There is a general rule that you should never cut more than a third of the grass blade off at any one time. This is because the grass can go into shock and kill the plant. So if your grass looks dead after cutting, it may be because you cut off too much.

Now I know that this can be very difficult during the summer, or after your lawn has been fertilized, because it can grow like crazy. As a result, this could be a good opportunity to lift your lawn mower to its maximum height and cause less stress to the lawn.

Pick a Lawn Mower Height to Scarify

Some lawns like to be scarified during the year to promote healthy growth and to remove thatch. So, if you have a lawn with grass like Fine Fescue, then you’ll be able to lower the mower down to less than an inch and turn your lawn mower into a scarifier. This is one of the reasons your lawn mower can cut so low.

Why It’s Important to Use Different Mower Height Settings for Different Scenarios

So, what happens if you just set your lawn mower to one height and never change it? Well, your lawn will definitely suffer, especially if you leave it at scarifying height. I’m sure you have driven around your neighborhood and seen those lawns that look brown and burned during the summer months. This is basically because the lawn is being cut too short and is being scalped.

Also, cutting the lawn too long can lead to poor root growth because the grass doesn’t know where to direct its efforts. So, you can see it’s important to adjust your cutting height throughout the year if you want that perfect lawn.

Mistakes When Selecting Lawn Mower Cut Heights

One big thing to remember is that the bigger the lawn mower, the heavier it is. Because of this, tractor mowers and zero-turn mowers will sink into the lawn much more than a lightweight push mower.

I’ve seen people setting their lawn mowers to what they believe is the correct height without ever actually testing the thickness of the lawn. You’ll find that if you use a push lawn mower on turfgrass like Floratam, it’s not going to have enough weight to compress the grass all the way down to the soil. Therefore, as the grass grows and gets thicker, the lawn mower will lift higher and higher over time.

So, if you have a very spongy and thick lawn, you might need to think about checking its thickness from the top of the cut lawn down to the soil and make a lawn push mower height setting adjustment.

Best Approach to Lawn Mower Height Settings

Now I know you were looking for a more simple answer, but as you’re probably already finding out, lawns and lawn mowers are not that straightforward. So, I’ve created a list of pointers you follow to adjust your lawn mower height settings and have a healthy lawn all year round.

• Measure the Actual Cut Height From the Soil to the Top of the Cut
• Know the Height Cutting Requirements for Your Specific Grass
• Be Aware of the Time of Year and Adjust the Cutting Height to Suit
• Be Aware of Sunny and Shaded areas of Your Yard and Make Adjustments
• Remember to Cut Your Lawn Longer During Peak Summer
• Don’t Cut Off Too Much Grass Blade at One Time
• Periodically Remeasure the Cut Height