Frequently Asked Questions
We have received many questions over the years, and below are some that we get asked quite often. If you have a question that isn't addressed below, please feel free to contact us. We welcome all questions!
Q: What is the proper height to mow my grass, is it okay to scalp my grass?
A: Although it can be tempting to cut your grass as short as possible in order to avoid weekly cuttings, it can be harmful to the grass, especially in the summer heat. The root system of your grass is directly related to the length of the blade, so cutting your grass at the recommended height is important to keep a healthy root system. It is important to mow regularly, because removing more than 1/3 of the blade can be harmful to the grass.
Cutting too short can also expose the soil to more sunlight, allowing weed seeds to germinate. It is a good idea to start out at the recommended mowing height for your grass in the beginning of the growing season, and then raise it up to 3" during the hottest summer months. This will help keep your grass healthy and avoid that unattractive yellowing.
Recommended Mowing Heights:
- Bermuda grass – 1 ½ inch
- St. Augustine grass – 2 inches
- Zoysia grass – 1 ½ inches
- Buffalo grass – 3 inches
- Perennial Ryegrass – 2 inches
- Tall Fescue – 2 inches
Scalping the lawn is never recommended unless it is prior to overseeding. St. Augustine should never be scalped because it will cause too much damage.
It is also always ideal to mulch your grass clippings. The nitrogen in the clippings will act as a fertilizer, and they will also make the soil healthier preventing more weeds from growing.
Q: How often should I water my lawn for best results?
A: The general rule for watering it to water deeply and infrequently. This helps the grass to grow deeper roots and make it more drought tolerant. For specific watering information please see our watering guide.
Q: I have large trees in my yard and grass won't seem to grow, do you have any suggestions?
A: While large trees are beautiful and usually desired by most homeowners, they do come with some costs. One of which is too much shade. St. Augustine grass will grow in shade, but it does still need some light. If it is too shady for even St. Augustine grass to grow you could try having your trees trimmed by a professional arborist. Strategic trimming of even just a few branches every few years can allow enough light in for your grass to start growing again. There is also the option of creating a bed area filled with shade loving plants, like azaleas, around the tree where the grass starts to thin out.
