We get it—lawn care can feel like one of those things you’re just supposed to know.
But here’s the truth: most homeowners have questions about mowing. How often should I mow? When should I start in Ohio? What happens if I wait too long?
If you’ve Googled any of these in secret, you’re not alone. Let’s break it all down—no judgment, just helpful answers from your local lawn care pros at Scioto Green Gardens + Landscaping.
How Often Should You Mow Your Lawn?
The short answer: once a week during the growing season is ideal for most lawns in Ohio.
That weekly mow helps your grass grow thick and healthy, prevents weeds from getting out of control, and keeps things looking sharp and uniform.
But like most things in lawn care, frequency depends on your lawn’s growth rate.
During cooler weeks in early spring or dry summer stretches, you might get away with mowing every 10–14 days. During peak season (May–June), you may need weekly or even every 5–6 days to keep up.
If you’re overwhelmed, don’t worry—that’s exactly what our mowing plans are for.
When Should You Start Mowing in Ohio?
Ohio weather likes to keep us guessing, but a good rule of thumb is to start mowing in late March or early April, once your grass starts growing again and the ground is firm.
Here’s what to look for:
- Grass has reached 3–4 inches tall
- The soil is no longer soggy or muddy
- The mower won’t leave ruts or damage the turf
If your lawn still feels like a marsh after a long winter, give it time to dry out before that first cut. Mowing too early can lead to more harm than good.
How Short Should You Cut the Grass?
This is a big one—and a place where many people go wrong. Cutting your lawn too short might feel efficient, but it actually stresses out your grass and makes your yard more vulnerable to weeds and heat damage.
Instead, follow the 1/3 rule: 🟢 Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.
The ideal mowing height for most lawns in Ohio is between 2.5 to 4 inches, depending on your grass type. Taller grass has deeper roots, shades out weeds, and holds moisture better.
What Happens If You Wait Too Long to Mow?
We’ve all been there—life gets busy, and suddenly your yard is looking like a jungle. But when you wait too long to mow, the grass can:
- Grow unevenly
- Develop brown, torn tips after mowing
- Clump up and smother healthy areas
- Become more prone to disease and weeds
The longer the delay, the more work it takes to get your lawn back to its best.
Can You Mow When It’s Wet or Muddy?
Technically? Yes. But should you? Usually not.
Mowing when the ground is too wet can lead to:
- Deep ruts and soil compaction
- Torn-up grass
- Damage to your mower (and your yard)
That’s why our team always checks the ground conditions first. We won’t mow just because it’s Tuesday—we’ll mow when it’s safe and healthy to do so.
The Takeaway: Mow Smart, or Let Us Do It For You
To keep your lawn looking its best:
- Mow weekly during the growing season
- Don’t cut more than 1/3 of the blade
- Start mowing in early spring when the grass and soil are ready
- Avoid mowing when the lawn is soggy
Of course, if you’d rather skip the guesswork and the time commitment, we’re here to help.
📅 Scioto Green Gardens offers weekly and biweekly mowing services throughout Central Ohio—including Upper Arlington, Hilliard, Galloway, Dublin, and beyond.
Let us take mowing off your to-do list—so you can just enjoy your lawn.
