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How to Measure Lawnmower Cutting Height. What the pros say

Are you confused about why your lawn doesn’t look as good as your neighbor’s? The answer could be in the height of your lawnmower’s blade. We’re here to demystify the process of measuring it. With our guidance, you’ll have this skill down in no time.

How do you measure the lawnmower cutting height?

To measure lawnmower cutting height, first identify your grass type to determine the ideal cutting height. Then, use a ruler to measure where the mower housing hits the grass. Adjust the cutting height lever according to your grass type’s ideal height.

Do you wish your lawn looked healthier? The solution could be as simple as adjusting your lawnmower’s cutting height. We’re here to guide you through the process of measuring it. With our guidance, you’ll have a lawn that’s the envy of the neighborhood.

Contents

Measure the lawnmower cutting height in 4 easy steps.

● Step 1: Identify the grass type in your yard

Before you start mowing, a necessary prerequisite is to inspect your lawn. By checking, we mean knowing what grass is in your yard. This step is crucial in determining the best cutting height for your lawnmower.

Grasses could be categorized into numerous classes depending on the climate, location, and soil type. Fine and tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and Perennial ryegrass are cool-season grasses. They should be cut to a height of 0.75 inches to 4 inches.

Bahiagrass, centipede grass, and Bermuda grasses are examples of warm-season grasses. The optimum recommended height for them ranges from 0.5 inches to 3 inches.

● Step 2: Make a few measurements and adjust accordingly

For the second step, it is necessary to have a ruler or a measuring tape. With a ruler’s help, measure where the mower’s housing hits the ruler. Always remember that the housing is where lawnmower blades would not cut grass.

We will adjust the mower’s height in the coming steps to cut the grass at the ideal height. Once you have found it, note it so that you can use it in the future. The height adjustment may vary from brand and model and the lawnmower type.

In your case, it is recommended that you check the user manual to see how it needs to be done. For smaller lawnmowers, the basic procedure to adjust the lawnmower’s height is to pull the adjustment lever near the wheel. Bigger sitting lawnmowers usually have a big leaver that sets the height.

In my 20 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is to set the cutting height on a lawnmower correctly. Cutting too short can stress the grass and make it more susceptible to pests and diseases. It’s a simple step that can make a significant difference in the health of your lawn.

● Step 3: Do some test mowing

Once you have followed the steps mentioned above, it is time to put your adjustments to the test. Choose a small patch for a test, and start mowing it with your just-made adjustments.

● Step 4: Check the Height, and adjust if needed

Once you have mowed the test patch, measure the height of the cut grass with a ruler. Compare it with some uncut grass. Inspect whether the cut grass has the correct height, as planned. If the height is not what you anticipated, readjust the height and try again.

Tips for Cutting the Grass at the Right Height.

● Tip 1: Follow the one-third rule

The one-third rule is a general rule of thumb that states that you should not cut more than 1/3 of the height. This helps to keep the grass healthy and robust. The grass’s ideal height depends upon the type of grass in your lawn. You can let it grow a third more than this perfect height if you know it.

After mowing, you are left with the ideal recommended height. You can continue letting it grow a third more and then cutting it to the perfect height. As it is difficult to go out repeatedly and measure the height of the grass, there is a tip that would make things easier for you.

Draw a line across one of the lawnmower’s tires that stands one-third above the ideal height. Draw an arrow to show the up or down direction. When you think mowing is needed, bring your mower out and see where the grass stands about the line you made. 

● Tip 2: Cut to the correct height

When you want to start mowing, you should follow a good process. Aimlessly starting to mow your lawn, instead of adorning the yard, will make it look disheveled.

Before mowing, you should ensure the height is neither too high nor too low. A low height could stress the grass, while a higher height does not look pleasant.

● Tip 3: Avoid scheduling the mowing sessions

Although scheduling your garden tasks is an excellent method to maximize your time, following a weekly schedule is not recommended for lawnmowing. It is better to start mowing when needed after inspecting your lawn and checking the grass’s height.

Start mowing if the height exceeds a third of its ideal height (depending on the grass type). Scheduling doesn’t work in mowing because the grass height of the lawn greatly depends on the weather and other conditions.

The grass’s growth rate varies a lot. So, instead of following a weekly mowing schedule, inspecting the height of grass regularly is recommended.

Over the years, I’ve learned that factors such as the type of grass, the season, and the lawn’s health should all be considered when determining the optimal cutting height. For instance, cool-season grasses often require a higher setting than warm-season varieties. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.

● Tip 4: Sharpen the blades

Make sure that your lawnmower blades are always sharp before you start mowing. Sharp knives are necessary for a clean and fine cut to your needed height.

If the blades are dull or blunt, no matter how well you have adjusted the lawnmower’s cutting height, there will always be unfine cuts and stressing of the grass.

Please make sure that you handle the blades with care and caution when you are going to sharpen them. Using safety gloves in this regard is highly recommended.

● Tip 5: Mow at the right time

Choosing the time to mow your lawn is also crucial if you are looking for a fine-cut result. Most people prefer to perform mowing during the daytime. However, this is not the best time for your grass. When the grass is dry, mowing your lawn in the early evening is better.

If you use your lawnmower on wet grass, the soil’s moisture and the damp grass will make mowing much more difficult. The grass will stick everywhere and clog your mower.

-Why Morning Time is Not Ideal for Mowing

Morning time is never recommended, except when the grass is dried. Wait for the due to leave. Another reason wowing during the daytime is sometimes not recommended is when it is rot. Excess heat adds stress to the grass.

Thus, early evening is highly recommended as the grass is moisture-free at that time, and there will be no or less stress on the grass due to heat. The grass can then further recover overnight.

● Tip 6: Change Things up

It is recommended not to follow the same pattern whenever mowing. This may cause the soil to get more compact, resulting in ruts, stunted growth, and grass development. Weeds prefer to grow in compacted soil. Try to change the pattern and direction you mow between the sessions.

One common mistake I’ve seen people make when setting the cutting height is setting it too low. This can damage the grass and lead to a less healthy lawn. It’s better to err on the side of cutting too high than too low.

Remarks:

To achieve a friendly, healthy, and attractive quality lawn, you must maintain it well. Regular mowing is one of those tasks. You need to know the best cutting height to achieve a good result. To understand this, you first need to know the type of grass you have.

You can find the best target height with the grass type and start measuring how to set your lawnmower to achieve it. We discussed the needed steps to adjust the lawnmower and earn a good result.

The second part of this article gave helpful tips and techniques that would help with your lawn mowing business. It helps to keep your grass healthy and weed-free. Measure your grass-cutting Height and what Height to cut the grass is crucial. The height of the cut can vary depending on the season.

• Risks of Cutting the Height of Grass Too Short

For instance, during winter, 35-40mm might be ideal. Be careful not to cut the grass too short, as it can deprive it of vital nutrients and make it more susceptible to weeds and diseases. When mowing a lawn, you must check the gap from the ground to the bottom of your lawnmower’s deck.

This is because the gap from the ground to the lawnmower’s grass blade determines the cutting height. So, how do you measure this gap? You can use a ruler or a tape measure to check the distance from the ground to the bottom of the lawnmower’s deck.

Also, remember to clean the underside of your lawnmower after each use to prevent the buildup of grass clippings and debris. This will ensure a smooth and even cut each time you mow your lawn.

  1. Sarah Cooper says:

    What are the best practices for storing a lawnmower when not in use?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      To store your lawnmower, ensure it’s cleaned, drained of gas, and stored in a dry, sheltered area. Consider a cover to protect it from dust.

  2. Annette Berry says:

    Is there a specific time of day that is best for adjusting the lawnmower’s cutting height?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Adjust your lawnmower’s cutting height based on your grass type. Use a ruler to measure where the blade hits the grass. Follow these steps for a healthier lawn.

  3. Armando Stone says:

    What are the common mistakes people make when adjusting the lawnmower’s cutting height?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      To measure the cutting height of your lawnmower, first determine your grass type’s ideal height. Use a ruler to measure where the housing hits the grass. Adjust accordingly for best results.

  4. Teresa Medina says:

    Is there a standard cutting height that works well for most grass types?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Yes, you can measure the lawnmower’s cutting height by using a ruler to measure where the mower housing hits the grass. Adjust accordingly based on your grass type’s ideal height.

  5. Julian Cooper says:

    How frequently should the lawnmower’s cutting height be adjusted?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Adjust the lawnmower’s cutting height based on your grass type for best results. Use a ruler to measure where the housing hits the grass, then adjust the lever accordingly. Happy mowing!

  6. Micheal Pierce says:

    Is it possible to cut the grass too short with the lawnmower?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      To measure lawnmower cutting height, identify your grass type and measure where the housing hits the grass. Adjust the lever accordingly for ideal results.

  7. Craig Williamson says:

    How important is the cutting height to maintain a healthy lawn?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Adjusting your lawnmower cutting height is crucial for a healthy lawn. Measure where the mower housing hits the grass with a ruler, then adjust accordingly to your grass type’s ideal height.

  8. Beverley Wallace says:

    Is it necessary to clean the lawnmower after each use?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Cleaning your lawnmower after each use can prevent grass clippings and debris buildup, ensuring a smooth cut every time. It’s a simple step to maintain a healthy lawn.

  9. Rachel White says:

    Is it better to have the lawnmower cutting height too high or too low?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      To determine the best lawnmower cutting height, first identify your grass type and then measure where the mower housing hits the grass. Adjust accordingly for a healthier lawn.

  10. Valerie Lowe says:

    Are there any specific safety precautions to keep in mind when adjusting the lawnmower’s cutting height?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      To measure the lawnmower cutting height, identify your grass type, use a ruler to measure where the housing hits the grass, and adjust the lever accordingly. Happy mowing!

  11. Micheal Lawrence says:

    How important is the test mowing step in the process of adjusting the cutting height?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      To ensure a healthy lawn, the test mowing step is crucial in adjusting the cutting height. It allows you to confirm the ideal height and make any necessary changes for a better-looking lawn.

  12. Candice Stephens says:

    How can the one-third rule help maintain a healthy lawn?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Adjusting the cutting height according to your grass type can result in a healthier lawn. Identify the ideal cutting height for your grass and adjust your lawnmower accordingly.

  13. Leta Harvey says:

    How can adjusting the cutting height impact the overall appearance of the lawn?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Adjusting the cutting height impacts your lawn’s appearance by promoting healthier growth, preventing stress, and achieving the ideal grass height for different grass types. Happy mowing!

  14. Shannon West says:

    How can changing the mowing pattern benefit the lawn?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Adjust your lawnmower’s cutting height to match your grass type for a healthier lawn! Follow our steps to measure and adjust it for a beautiful yard your neighbors will envy.

  15. Arlene Hale says:

    How can I ensure that my lawnmower’s blades are sharp for the best cutting results?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      To measure your lawnmower’s cutting height, first, identify your grass type. Then, measure where the mower housing hits the grass and adjust the cutting height lever accordingly for the best results.

  16. Nina Simpson says:

    Can the cutting height of the lawnmower affect the growth of weeds in the lawn?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Adjusting your lawnmower’s cutting height can indeed affect the growth of weeds in your lawn! It’s all about finding the ideal height for your grass type. Hope this helps!

  17. Veronica Adams says:

    Is there a specific brand or model of lawnmower that is recommended for achieving the best cutting height for different types of grass?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your question, Veronica. Different grass types have specific cutting height recommendations. It’s important to identify your grass type and adjust your lawnmower accordingly. Hope this helps!

  18. Sue Wagner says:

    What role does the climate play in determining the ideal cutting height for grass?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      To determine the ideal cutting height for your grass, first, identify your grass type and then use a ruler to measure where the mower housing hits the grass. Adjust accordingly.

  19. Eric Howard says:

    What are the most common grass types and their recommended cutting heights?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      To measure your lawnmower’s cutting height, identify your grass type and use a ruler to measure where the mower housing hits the grass, adjusting as needed. Happy mowing!

  20. Enrique Sims says:

    What are the benefits of adjusting the lawnmower’s cutting height based on the grass type?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Adjusting the cutting height of your lawnmower based on grass types ensures a healthier lawn. Follow these steps to measure and set the ideal height for your grass type.

  21. Norma Bishop says:

    What are the consequences of cutting the grass too short?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Cutting the grass too short can stress it out, making it more susceptible to weeds and diseases. Make sure to measure and adjust your lawnmower height accordingly for a healthy lawn.

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