How Tall to Mow Tall Fescue: Your Guide to Cutting Grass the Right Way

Did you know there is a right way to mow your lawn? That’s right, if you properly cut your grass, it will help to promote healthy growth. One grass type that will greatly benefit from a proper cutting is tall fescue.

Today you will learn how to cut this fast-growing cool-season grass the right way. So, if you have tall fescue in your yard, pay close attention to the helpful information below.


How Tall to Mow Tall Fescue

How Tall To Mow Tall Fescue

The optimal height to mow tall fescue is 3 to 3.5 inches. This is a basic guideline that you should always keep in mind. However, depending on the time of year, you may wish to adjust your cutting height.

Tall fescue should be mowed year-round. This will help it remain healthy and beautiful. Below are the recommended cutting heights based on the time of year.

March To May

From March to May, you should cut your tall fescue at 2.5 to 3.5 inches. This will allow you to keep up with the growth rate of the grass during this time of the year.

June To August

From June to August, you should cut your tall fescue at 3.5 inches. During this time of year avoid allowing your grass to get too tall.

September To November

From September to November, you should cut your tall fescue at 2.5 to 3 inches. Your grass will look its best if you don’t cut it too short.

December To February

From December to February, you should cut your tall fescue at 3 inches. During this time of year, growth will slow down before taking back off in the spring.


When You Should Mow Newly Grown Fescue

If you have recently planted new tall fescue on your lawn, you might be wondering when you should start cutting it. To help newly grown fescue become well established, you should wait until it reaches 4 inches in height. When cutting new fescue, you should cut it at 3.5 inches.


How Quickly Does Tall Fescue Grow?

Tall fescue grows best in the spring and fall. This cool-season grass can grow rather quickly during the cooler months of the year. Tall fescue can grow up to 2 inches per week during the peak of its growing season. This will require you to mow your lawn more frequently.


How Often Should You Mow Tall Fescue?

During peak growing seasons of fall and spring, tall fescue grows the fastest. This means you may need to cut your lawn as frequently as once a week. During hotter months, and the winter, this grass will slow down, allowing you to go longer between cuts.

No matter what time of year it is, keep an eye on the height of your lawn, so you will know if it needs cutting.


What Happens If You Cut Your Lawn Too Short?

If you accidentally cut your lawn too short, you can weaken the health of your grass. Depending on what time of year it is cutting your lawn too short may kill it. So, make sure that you always check your lawn mower deck settings before mowing your grass. This will save you a lot of time and money if you do.


What Happens If You Let Your Grass Grow Too Tall?

If you let your grass get away from you and grow too tall, it can make it very difficult to mow. Also, when grass becomes too tall, the taller blades of grows will shade out newer growth. This is not good for the health of your lawn and may cause growth to slow down.


Check Your Lawn Mower Blades Frequently

It is always a wise move to make sure your lawnmower blades are sharp. Dull blades can tear your grass, causing it to become damaged. Once your blades have become dull, you will need to either sharpen them or replace them.

If they are newer blades, you can take them to a local lawn equipment repair shop, to have them professionally sharpened.


How Tall To Mow Tall Fescue: Conclusion

If you were wondering how tall to mow tall fescue, then now you know. Remember, depending on the time of year will determine what height you should mow this beautiful grass variety.

Related Article: Whens the Best Time of Year to Plant Fescue?