Is it better to cut grass before or after mowing?

Author: Dr. Nicklaus Morissette  |  Last update: Saturday, March 15, 2025

Others say just the opposite or some other mixture of those steps. Those arguing for mowing first claim that this is the best order since you can then trim edges of lawn to the precise height that you cut the grass at. Trimming after mowing also ensures that you don't miss any spots that are unreachable with the mower.

Should you cut the grass first or mow first?

Trim or mow first? What do you do first? Normally mow first. On first time cuts or overgrown lawns trim first to find obstacles, etc. Mow 1st definitely. The trimmer does a great job of cutting grass, that the mower could not get at, at the exact same height, that the mower is set at for that particular lawn.

Is it better to leave grass clippings on lawn or remove them?

Assuming that your lawn is healthy, if the clippings are light and well spread out, it is good to leave them. If for any reason you have large, heavy clumps of grass they should be removed, or if possible, raked and fluffed out over the lawn.

Does grass grow better after first cut?

Absolutely, recently studies shows that Grass grows faster after it's been cut short as it tries to rebuild itself to its genetic norm. A good in-season height for most turfgrasses is 21⁄2 to 3 inches -- typically the highest setting on lawn mowers.

What is the best time to cut the grass?

The best time of day to mow your lawn is in the late morning or early afternoon. Mowing during this time allows any morning dew to dry, reducing the risk of clumping and fungal growth. It also gives the grass some time to recover before the evening, when moisture can settle, which could encourage disease.

How to Mow a Lawn CORRECTLY

When not to mow the lawn?

When Not to Mow Your Lawn
  1. Don't mow when your grass is wet.
  2. Don't mow during a drought.
  3. Don't mow during the hottest part of the day.
  4. Don't mow just before the sunset.
  5. Don't mow when your mower blades are dull.
  6. Don't mow your lawn if it's struggling with a disease.
  7. Don't mow if the temperature is too low.

Is it better to mow before or after it rains?

It's generally best to get your lawn mower out before a rainstorm. This will help ensure that the blades are dry before they're cut, which minimizes the risk of disease. Try to mow in the morning or evening when it's cooler outside.

Does frequent mowing thicken grass?

Mowing actually helps make your grass grow thicker because the tip of each blade contains hormones that suppress horizontal growth.

Does sprinkling grass clippings help grass grow?

The short answer is yes, according to lawn care experts. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn can actually be healthy for the grass, as it helps build a strong and nutrient-rich soil. This practice is known as “grasscycling,” and it has become increasingly popular in recent years.

Should you water grass immediately after cutting?

Watering after mowing can aid in the grass blades' recovery, promoting faster and healthier regrowth but as mentioned above, be careful not to overwater. Watering in the early morning minimizes water loss through evaporation, allowing moisture to penetrate the soil and reach the roots.

Does putting grass clippings on bare spots help grass grow?

Does Putting Grass Clippings on Bare Spots Help Grass Grow? While leaving grass clippings on the lawn during mowing (grasscycling) can offer benefits like nutrient recycling and improved soil health, it's not the most effective method for directly promoting grass growth in bare spots.

Does dead grass grow back?

If the grass comes out easily with no resistance, it is dead. Dead grass isn't coming back, so you'll need to take steps to regrow your lawn. You can replace the grass by seeding or sodding — or installing a new type of landscaping material such as mulch, rocks or groundcover.

Should grass clippings be raked up?

Lawn clippings do not significantly contribute to thatch development. Grass clippings may need to be bagged or raked and removed when mowing extremely tall grass. You may also want to bag the grass clippings and use them as a mulch in vegetable and flower gardens.

What order do you mow your lawn?

Some say you must cut the grass, then edge, trim, and blow off all surrounding surfaces. Others say just the opposite or some other mixture of those steps. Those arguing for mowing first claim that this is the best order since you can then trim edges of lawn to the precise height that you cut the grass at.

Is it better to leave cut grass on the lawn or pick it up?

While leaving clippings on the lawn is recommended, there are some exceptions to the rule: Remove grass clippings from curb and gutter, especially near storm drains. Remove clippings if the lawn is heavily infested with diseases such as leaf spot, rust or dollar spot to help reduce disease severity.

Is it best to cut grass wet or dry?

Before mowing a lawn after a rain, inspect the grass closely to see if any blades are bent over. Once they are upright it's probably safe to mow. Wet grass tends to cut less cleanly, resulting in larger clippings. These wet clippings like to clump together and block up the mower's deck.

Do grass clippings help your lawn?

Like Free Food. The most important thing you can do for your lawn is to feed it regularly, and grass clippings contain the same beneficial nutrients, like nitrogen and potassium, as lawn food. In fact, clippings can provide as much as one-third of the annual feeding requirement for your lawn.

Will grass eventually fill in bare spots?

It can but it's not in a rush, especially if your spots resulted from dog urine or lawn disease or even an accident with the mower. Weeds, though, will jump in at a frustratingly fast speed. So what's best for you to do is follow some important steps for filling in those bare spots on your own.

How often should you mow your lawn?

Follow these simple guidelines: When growth is good (usually spring & autumn) mow at least every 7 to 10 days if using a rotary and AT LEAST every 3 to 5 days if using a cylinder mower. Mow at least every two weeks in dry summers if using a rotary and every week if using a cylinder mower.

Is there a wrong way to mow a lawn?

You Mow Your Grass Too Short

Short grass also makes it easier for weeds to move in and take over. Instead of mowing the lawn super short, keep your lawn mower blade high and mow frequently. As a rule of thumb, you should never remove more than one-third of a blade of grass in a single mowing.

How do I make my grass thicker and greener?

How to Make Grass Thicker and Fuller
  1. Mow High: Keep your grass at 3-4 inches to encourage deep roots.
  2. Aerate: Aerate your lawn annually to improve soil and root health.
  3. Fertilize: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and fall.
  4. Water Properly: Water deeply and infrequently.

What causes grass to clump when mowing?

When grass is overgrown, it can take a toll on your mower if you try to cut the excess all at once, causing clumping. Be sure to stick to a regular mowing schedule — typically once every one to two weeks, depending on grass type — so you're only taking off one-third of the blade of grass at a time.

Why do landscapers cut grass in the rain?

We often get the call from some of our customers wondering why we are mowing grass in the rain. The answer is pretty simple: “BECAUSE WE HAVE TO”, not necessarily because we want to. Mowing grass in the rain takes substantially more time and creates a dangerous environment for our staff to work.

What time of day is best to mow?

Mid-Morning (8 AM - 10 AM)

Grass needs the benefit of the day to dry and heal before dusk settles. Since mowing your grass in the early morning can damage it and mowing it during the early afternoon can burn it because of all the high temperatures, the ideal time is mid-morning.

What temperature is too hot to mow the lawn?

Risking heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heat stroke suggests you should not. When is it too hot to mow? Temperatures over 85°F mark the threshold. To maintain the health of your lawn and yourself, mow during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening.

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