With Arizona's diverse climate and distinct seasons, proper mowing heights play a crucial role in promoting healthy growth and overall lawn health throughout the year. Achieving and maintaining a lush lawn in Arizona requires an understanding of the unique characteristics and needs of your grass, none more important than proper mowing height. That’s why the Little John’s team has put together this guide to help you properly mow your lawn throughout the changing seasons.
Come learn all you need to know about the importance of adjusting mowing heights for Arizona’s most popular grass types – Bermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass.
As temperatures begin to rise and daylight hours increase, Bermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass emerge from winter dormancy and enter a phase of active growth. Spring is a critical time for promoting healthy root development and establishing a strong foundation for the growing season ahead.
Bermudagrass exhibits rapid green-up and lateral spreading during spring, making it an excellent choice for Arizona lawns. It thrives in full sun and tolerates drought well. Spring is the ideal time to address any thatch buildup and encourage dense growth. Proper mowing at the right height promotes airflow, sunlight penetration, and nutrient absorption, ensuring the grass receives essential resources for robust growth.
St. Augustinegrass also experiences active growth in spring, producing thick, lush foliage. It prefers partial shade and thrives in moderately moist soil conditions. With its vigorous growth during spring, St. Augustinegrass benefits from regular mowing to maintain an optimal height for healthy development. Proper mowing height helps prevent scalping and promotes deep root growth, which is crucial for drought tolerance and overall lawn health.
Arizona summers bring extreme heat and intense sunlight, posing challenges for lawn maintenance. Proper mowing becomes even more critical during this season to help Bermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass withstand the stress of high temperatures and limited water availability.
Bermudagrass exhibits excellent heat tolerance and can go dormant during periods of extreme heat and drought. However, it can quickly rebound with proper care and watering. During summer, Bermudagrass requires frequent mowing to maintain an optimal height and prevent stress. Mowing at the right height helps conserve moisture, reduce heat stress, and promote healthy growth, even during challenging conditions.
St. Augustinegrass may struggle with heat stress and require additional watering during hot summer months. It has a slower growth rate compared to Bermudagrass but maintains its vibrant green color with proper care. With its slower growth rate in summer, St. Augustinegrass may not require as frequent mowing as Bermudagrass. However, maintaining a taller mowing height helps insulate the soil, retain moisture, and protect the grass from heat stress.
As temperatures gradually cool down in fall, Arizona lawns undergo a transition period, preparing for the winter months ahead. Adjusting mowing heights during this season helps promote healthy growth and prepares the lawn for dormancy.
Bermudagrass continues to grow actively in fall, albeit at a slower pace compared to spring and summer. It may start to exhibit signs of dormancy as temperatures drop. In fall, Bermudagrass benefits from slightly higher mowing heights to encourage deep root growth and improve winter hardiness. Proper mowing height helps prepare the grass for colder temperatures and reduced growth rates.
St. Augustinegrass may experience reduced growth in fall as temperatures cool, but it remains relatively resilient and maintains its green color. Similar to spring, St. Augustinegrass benefits from a higher mowing height in fall to promote deep root development and prepare for winter dormancy. Maintaining a taller grass height also helps insulate the soil and protect the grass from frost damage.
Winter in Arizona brings cooler temperatures and occasional morning frost, slowing down the growth of Bermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass. Adjusting mowing heights during this season helps maintain the lawn's health while preparing it for spring growth.
Bermudagrass may enter a dormant state in winter, turning brown until temperatures warm up in spring. It requires minimal maintenance during this period. In winter, Bermudagrass can be mowed slightly shorter to prevent thatch buildup and maintain a tidy appearance. However, avoid cutting too short, as it can weaken the grass and make it more susceptible to cold damage.
St. Augustinegrass may retain its green color during winter, especially in milder regions of Arizona. It exhibits minimal growth during this season. St. Augustinegrass should be mowed at a moderate height in winter to promote root development and prepare for spring growth. Maintaining a taller grass height also helps protect the grass from winter stressors and promotes overall lawn health.
Understanding the unique growing habits and maintenance needs of Bermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass in each season is essential for maintaining a healthy and vibrant lawn in Arizona. By adjusting mowing heights according to these specific needs, homeowners can ensure their lawns remain resilient and attractive year-round, enhancing the beauty of their outdoor spaces regardless of the weather conditions.
Below is a list of mowing tips to keep in mind this year, beyond simply adjusting your lawn mower’s height. With proper practices like the ones listed below, you can help ensure your lawn is resilient and healthy through every season. Call Little John’s Lawns today for more tips and tricks or to find out about our lawn mowing services for Arizona!
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