How to Mow Your Lawn Properly: Optimal Cutting Height, Frequency, and Technique
A beautiful, thick lawn isn’t achieved by “mowing every now and then,” but rather by setting the correct cutting height, mowing at the right frequency, and deciding whether to use a grass catcher or not. Here you’ll find the most important rules explained concisely and clearly.
The Correct Cutting Height
The optimal cutting height depends on the type of grass, how the lawn is used, and the amount of maintenance required:
Less than 2 cm: requires a lot of maintenance; usually suitable only for ornamental lawns
2–3 cm: It looks very well-maintained, but it also requires a lot of care
3–5 cm: Ideal for most gardens (a good balance of aesthetics and durability)
More than 5 cm: particularly easy to care for, but less “carpet-like”
Important: The 1/3 Rule
No more than one-third Cut the grass to the desired length all at once. This keeps the lawn stress-free, dense, and resilient.
How often should you mow the lawn?
How often you mow depends on the growth rate:
Spring & Summer (Main Growing Season): During periods of rapid growth, ideally 3–4 times a week
Fall & Winter: much less often—mow only when the grass is visibly growing
Tip: Always pay attention to sharp knives. They ensure a clean cut and prevent frayed blades—even in damp soil or light rain.
Should you mow with or without a grass catcher?
Whether you can leave the clippings on the ground depends mainly on the soil life:
Without a grass catcher / mulching (clippings remain on the ground)
This is useful when the soil is active and the clippings decompose quickly. Mulching provides additional nutrients and can help with lawn care.
With a collection basket (collects clippings)
Recommended if:
life on the forest floor tends to be sluggish, and cut vegetation remains on the ground
if you want a particularly clean lawn surface
Weeds or diseases in the lawn (it is important not to spread seeds or pathogens)
Special Tips for Initial Seeding and Overseeding
When it comes to a newly seeded lawn, it's best to take a gentle approach.
Do not make the first cut until the stalks are 8–10 cm tall
Then carefully trim it to at least 5 cm
Only when the lawn becomes denser should you gradually reduce the cutting height
Seasonal Highlights
First pruning in the spring: as soon as the grass starts growing back
Last pruning in the fall: when growth slows significantly or comes to a halt
Mowing the Lawn in Winter: Only in mild weather and when growth is visible—drive especially carefully to avoid damaging the turf