When maintaining turfgrass, what is the ideal mowing strategy?

The ideal mowing strategy for maintaining turfgrass is to never cut more than one-third of the blade height at any given mowing session. This practice is essential for several reasons. First, cutting more than one-third can stress the grass, leading to poor health and making it more susceptible to disease, drought, and pests. When more than one-third of the blade is removed, the grass does not have enough leaf area to effectively photosynthesize, which can hinder its growth and recovery.

In addition, adhering to this one-third rule helps to retain more leaf surface area, promoting healthy growth and density of the turf. It leads to a stronger root system and better overall turf resilience. This strategy supports a balanced approach to turf management, ensuring that the grass remains healthy and vibrant.

Other mowing strategies, while they may have individual merits, do not align as effectively with the principles of maintaining a resilient and healthy lawn as the one-third height rule does.