Does Cutting the Grass Promote Growth?

Depending on the species, grass grows most vigorously in the spring and summer. During these mild to hot days, you may need to mow the lawn once a week to maintain a pleasing aesthetic. Although the act of cutting grass is stressful for any species, this trimming exercise promotes growth as long as the mowing is performed correctly.

Turf Stimulation

When you mow the lawn, grass responds to the reduced surface area on its blades -- it must produce more growth to maximize photosynthesis processes. As a result, the grass concentrates its energy into blade and runner growth, depending on the species. For example, runners populate the open soil space around the mother grass plant so that more photosynthesis can benefit the lawn. Your turf becomes an intertwined layer that has enough energy to withstand constant mowing and other stresses, from heat to drought.

Excessive Mowing

In general, your grass should not be cut shorter than 2 inches throughout the year. Trimming your lawn too short promotes unhealthy growth patterns. Instead of sharing the energy resources between the roots and the foliage, the grass concentrates on blade development only. As a result, the roots become shallow and ineffective for nutrient and moisture absorption. Even if the grass blade height recovers from the excessive mowing, it may take on a brown, patchy appearance because it cannot sustain its growth with a poor root system.

Ideal Lawn Mowing

Cutting up to one-third of the grass length at a time is a healthy strategy to maintain a vigorously growing lawn. Before cutting the lawn, sharpen your mower's blades -- dull blades tear at the turf, causing vulnerability to disease and pests. Choose to cut the grass in the morning or evening so that the lawn is not subjected to additional stress during the hottest part of the day. Vary your mowing direction across the turf as well so that the blades remain upright and prime for proper cutting.

Tall Grass Benefits

Allowing grass to grow slightly longer than 2 inches helps it sustain itself during stressful periods, like long dry spells or heat waves. The extra blade length provides more energy production for the rest of the grass. However, do not let lawn grass grow wildly long, such as taller than 4 inches. Aside from an unsightly appearance, the grass thatch becomes thick, which impedes water absorption into the soil. Maintaining your grass with a consistent mowing schedule allows you to promote healthy growth and an active soil environment.


About the Author
