Mowing is More Than Just Cutting the Grass

It’s that time of year again—when the hum of lawn mowers and the smell of freshly cut grass fill the air. With recent rainfall and warming temperatures, cool-season lawns are beginning to grow. Many homeowners have already applied fertilizer and weed control, but even the best lawn care products won’t deliver a picture-perfect yard without proper mowing practices.

The single most important factor in mowing is maintaining the correct height. This varies depending on the type of grass. Cool-season grasses, such as tall fescue, grow more upright and should generally be kept at a height of 2½ to 3 inches. Cutting these grasses too short—often called “scalping”—can severely reduce root growth. During hot weather, this added stress increases the lawn’s water needs and can weaken the turf, making it more vulnerable to weeds.

In contrast, warm-season grasses like bermudagrass and zoysiagrass grow closer to the ground and should be mowed shorter, typically between 1 and 2 inches. Mowing these grasses too high can lead to excessive thatch buildup, which can negatively impact lawn health. Clearly, mowing height plays a key role in overall turf quality.

So how do you know when it’s time to mow? Many homeowners mow based on their schedule—or when the grass becomes noticeably tall. However, mowing frequency is critical to maintaining a healthy lawn. A helpful guideline is the “one-third rule”: never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing. This means your mowing schedule should be based on how fast the grass is growing rather than a fixed calendar. While this can be challenging with busy schedules, it leads to stronger, healthier turf.

For newly planted lawns, early mowing is beneficial. Cool-season grasses should be trimmed to about 2 inches once they reach 3 inches tall. Warm-season grasses should be cut to 1 inch when they grow to about 2 inches. As long as mower blades are sharp, mowing will not harm new grass—in fact, it encourages it to spread and fill in more quickly.

Before mowing, always check your blade sharpness. Sharp blades are essential for a clean cut. Dull blades tear the grass, leaving ragged edges that give the lawn a whitish appearance and increase the risk of disease. Sharp blades not only improve lawn appearance but also make mowing more efficient and reduce fuel use. Additionally, mowing at a steady, safe speed—around 3 to 5 mph—helps ensure an even cut and minimizes stress on the turf.

Another common concern is what to do with grass clippings. Many homeowners remove them, believing they contribute to thatch buildup. In reality, this is a myth. Grass clippings are made up of 85 to 90 percent water and decompose quickly, returning valuable nutrients to the soil. If you follow the one-third rule, clippings will be short enough to settle into the lawn without causing problems. Mulching mowers can further break down clippings, making them even more beneficial. In fact, regularly leaving clippings on the lawn can reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizer. If clippings are consistently removed, you may need to increase nitrogen applications by about 25 percent to maintain the same nutrient levels.

Proper mowing is more than a routine chore—it’s a cornerstone of effective lawn care. By mowing at the right height, frequency, and technique, you can cultivate a lawn that is not only attractive but also healthy and resilient throughout the growing season.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension horticulture agent serving the Southwind District. She can be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

Celebrating Our 4‑H Volunteers During National Volunteer Appreciation Week

National Volunteer Appreciation Week provides a meaningful opportunity to recognize and celebrate the individuals who make 4‑H possible. In the K‑State Research and Extension | Southwind District 4‑H Program, volunteers are the backbone of everything we do. This week, we pause to say a heartfelt thank you to the many dedicated volunteers who invest their time, talents, and hearts into supporting youth across our communities.

4‑H volunteers serve in countless ways. They lead clubs, mentor project members, organize events, support fairs, judge exhibits, and ensure youth feel welcome and encouraged. Many volunteer roles happen quietly behind the scenes, yet their impact is seen every time a young person tries a new skill, gains confidence, or discovers a passion through 4‑H.

Through hands-on learning experiences, Southwind District volunteers help youth develop essential life skills. From livestock and foods projects to STEM, leadership, and citizenship activities, volunteers create safe, supportive environments where youth can learn by doing. They guide members through successes and challenges alike, teaching responsibility, perseverance, and problem-solving along the way.

Volunteers also play a critical role in shaping tomorrow’s leaders. By modeling teamwork, service, and respect, they help youth understand the value of giving back to their communities. Many 4‑H members can point to a volunteer who believed in them, encouraged them to step outside their comfort zone, or helped them realize their potential.

The commitment of 4‑H volunteers is especially meaningful given the many demands on their time. Families, careers, and community obligations all compete for attention, yet our volunteers continue to show up. Their dedication ensures that 4‑H remains a high-quality youth development program that makes a lasting difference in the lives of young people.

During National Volunteer Appreciation Week, K‑State Research and Extension and the Southwind District 4‑H Program extend sincere gratitude to every volunteer who supports our program. Your efforts matter, and the positive influence you have on youth will continue far beyond the end of a project year or fair season.

The success of 4‑H depends on caring adults who are willing to share their skills and encouragement with youth. Individuals do not need prior 4‑H experience to volunteer—just a willingness to learn and a desire to make a difference. Opportunities range from leading a project or club to helping with short-term events or activities.

Those interested in volunteering with the Southwind District 4‑H Program are encouraged to contact their local K‑State Research and Extension office to learn more about available opportunities and the volunteer screening process. By becoming a 4‑H volunteer, you can help shape the next generation of leaders and strengthen our communities.

To our current volunteers—and to those considering joining us—thank you for supporting the mission of 4‑H and for investing in the future of our youth.