Cutting the lawn in extreme heat can cause a lot of damage to the lawn so it’s not advisable to do so without the right experience and information on how to get it right. The way to do it is really straightforward – increase mowing height, mow early in the mornings, and avoid mowing the lawn when the temperature is extremely hot. Of course, it is not as simple as this in reality but those form the framework of how to mow properly in extreme heat.
When there’s extreme heat, the soil loses moisture faster, the root of the grass becomes weaker and mowing in that condition isn’t healthy for the lawn. For homeowners who have busy schedules making it impossible to mow early which is a recommended time, consider hiring a lawn mowing service in Texas.
When Not to Mow the Lawn
Do not mow the lawn when temperatures rise to 90 degrees and above in summer. It’s uncomfortable for the personnel handling the mowing, plus are a lot of evaporation at that time of the year. Soils that lose much water will have dried up grass sooner than later.
Do not mow in the midday as this is when the sun is at its most blazing state of the day. Early morning mowing is recommended in Texas. For homeowners with little time to do their own mowing, hire a grass mowing service for this need.
Avoid mowing dormant lawn grass until it greens up again. Dry lawn yards also fall into this category. Hold out on lawn mowing till there’s a green light from the lawn.
Ideal Time to Mow the Lawn
As already stated, the ideal time to mow is when the temperature isn’t extreme and that time is in the morning. Between 8 and 10 a.m. is simply cooler and less stressful for mowing. If for some reason, early morning mowing isn’t possible, the next ideal time to mow is in the evening, typically after 5 p.m.
If you’re handling the lawn mowing DIY style, consider the following:
- Take a lot of water before you start mowing the lawn to minimize heat stress and dehydration.
- Try to take breaks if there’s any feeling of exhaustion, do this every few minutes – typically every 20-30 minutes
- To stay free from the entire issues that has to do with lawn mowing, simply hire a residential lawn mowing service
Cutting High in Summer When There’s Extreme Heat
In extreme heat, cutting the lawn higher is an effective approach to protect the lawn from damage. When grass is taller, it serves as a shield against much of the sun’s heat. Cutting higher keeps more leaves on the grass which reduces evaporation and soil dryness.
Most lawn mowing service in Texas advise raising the mowing height by an inch to combat extreme heat if mowing is needed. Others advise not to mow at all if the lawn has become dormant from the heat.
Follow the one and only one-third rule of mowing – cut just a third of the blade length during a single mowing session. If the lawn looks great without mowing, hold on and do not mow until much later.
Do Not Bag Lawn Clippings
In extreme heat, do not bag the grass clippings after mowing the lawn. Keep the lawn insulated from the heat by allowing the lawn clippings remain on the surface. After decomposition, the grass clippings easily turn to mulch which nourishes the lawn with important nutrients while shading it.
Lawns that leave grass clipping as mulch have less need for fertilizer application on them, according to university reports. However, this information must be taken with consideration for clumped-up grass clippings which will not work well as mulch. On the other hand, lumpy grass clippings can attract disease caused by fungi which means more problems for the lawn.
Keep Mower Blades Sharp
When looking to mow the lawn, ensure the mower blades are always sharp. Well-maintained blades cut cleanly without causing tears on the lawn grass. This is a healthy way to manage a lawn mower for cutting efficiency.
Get a lawn care service near me to help with mower maintenance if the proper experience is missing. A few lawn mower blade tips from these professionals can help with keep it in good shape.
Here are some tips:
- Keep the mower blade sharp every mowing season
- Clean the mower blades and ensure there are no grass clippings stuck in the mower
- Ensure the mower blades are well-balanced for an even cut
Signs of Lawn Experiencing Heat Stress
A lawn experiencing extreme heat usually shows some signs that can be noticed if a homeowner pays attention. Once observed, please take action by hiring a grass cutting service near me to look into it.
Listed here are some signs to note:
- Visible footprints after someone walks on them
- Folded lawn blades
- Hardened, cracked soil
- Grass gets dry and discolored to a dull, brown color
Improving Lawn in Extreme Heat
It’s more challenging to mow when there’s extreme heat in the atmosphere. It requires experience, the right information and skillset to handle lawn mowing in hot summers. Our professional take is to hire a lawn mowing service in Texas that can handle it.
GOMOW Lawn Care Service comes highly recommended in all things lawn mowing. We offer a residential lawn mowing service for Texas homeowners who need lawn mowing that works.
Learn more about lawn mowing at GOMOW and book a FREE quote here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to cut lawn in extreme Texas heat?
Yes, it is safe but the timing is a crucial factor. The ideal time to mow is early in the morning or later in the evening when there’s less heat in the atmosphere. Do not mow during the hottest part of the day, because extreme heat can stress the grass and increase the risk of damage and discoloration.
How short can I cut my grass during hot weather?
Do not mow lawn too low during when there’s extreme heat. Stick to the one-third rule of not cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. Taller grass helps the lawn retain moisture, insulate the soil, and develop deeper roots that are great for hot weathers.
Should I irrigate the lawn before or after grass mowing?
It's generally a good idea to water deeply before your scheduled grass cutting so the grass is well-hydrated but dry enough to mow. Avoid cutting wet grass, because it can cause uneven cuts, clumped grass clipping, and potential lawn damage.
Can dull lawn mower blades harm the lawn in the summer?
Yes, this can happen. Dull blades don’t cut cleanly but will tear the grass instead. It leaves rough, ragged edges that lose moisture quickly. Lawns cut with dull blades are more vulnerable to heat stress, pests, and disease. When mower blades are sharp, it helps with keeping a healthier lawn throughout the summer.
Is it a good idea to hire a professional lawn mowing service in hot summer?
Yes, do this if you're unsure how to care for your lawn in extreme heat or don't have time to do it properly. Hire a professional lawn mowing service to help. They can help with the right mowing height, schedule, and methods that fit for Texas conditions.
