I Planted Grass Seed & the Grass is Long: Can I Mow?

Properly timed mowing encourages healthy growth of newly planted grass seed.

Newly seeded lawns often take on a scraggly appearance as the new grass reaches mowing height. Ensure a healthy new turf by refraining from mowing until the proper time, without waiting too long which will just give weeds more of a chance to establish themselves in the new lawn.

First Mowing

Most new grass can be mowed as soon as it reaches a length at which you would normally mow the yard. Check that the grass roots have planted themselves firmly in the ground before beginning.

Moisture

Newly planted grass seed and its roots are still extremely tender and prone to damage or breakage. Mow only when the lawn is dry to avoid pulling the new grass out of the ground. Use a new, sharp mower blade to protect against this occurrence as well.

Height

Mow at 1 1/2 to 2 inches the first three to four times. From this point on, adjust the mower to the proper height depending on the grass species you have planted, ranging from 2 1/2 to 4 inches.

Benefits

Proper timing of the first mowing encourages a dense turf to develop. It also ensures that you do not remove more than one-third of the grass blade in one mowing, a practice that stresses the grass plant, causing stress to the new grass.

References

• Purdue University: Seeding
• University of California Integrated Pest Management: Weed Management in Lawns Guidelines

Resources

• University of Minnesota Extension: Seeding and Sodding Home Lawns