Lawn care in the summer is important, so a garden expert has shared the one mistake that most people make when mowing the grass which can lead to it turning patchy and brown
15:59, 14 Jul 2025Updated 16:03, 14 Jul 2025
Lawns will grow lush green grass if you avoid 1 common mowing mistake in July(Image: phototropic via Getty Images)
Folks are likely to rush through their gardening chores when the sun is beaming down, mowing their lawn quickly without thinking how they are damaging their grass. Sprout Lawn & Landscape experts have highlighted a common mistake during summer: people cut their grass much too short, turning a lush green into a patchy brown.
Their advice is clear: “In order for your grass to effectively absorb nutrients, the blades have to be kept at a certain height. When they are too short, the grass is harmed by the heat of the sun and is exposed to too much sunlight.”
The art of mowing isn’t as straightforward as it appears; overlooking the height setting on your mower can lead to scalping the grass, causing unnecessary strain on your lawn under the sweltering summer sun.
To avoid parching, lawns must hold water effectively throughout peak summer times, but cutting them too short forces them to spend energy on sprouting grass rather than fortifying roots.
This practice results in short-rooted lawns that can’t hoard water efficiently. Consequently, they’re prone to becoming sparse and patchy and require more frequent watering, reports the Express.
Grass will grow healthier if gardeners avoid 1 big mistake when mowing the lawn in summer (Image: Getty)
Lawns can easily become weak and thin in summer as most people mow them too short (Image: Getty)
If you maintain the correct blade length, your grass stands a better chance of coping with the summer scorcher, leaving you with a lawn that’s both denser and greener.
How to avoid overcutting the lawn in summer
Most gardeners mow their lawn once a week in summer, but this is often wrong as it does not give the grass enough time to grow properly. Opt instead for a careful approach, mowing every two weeks in July to ensure your lawn remains robust despite the heat.
If the grass has become overgrown, it’s advisable to trim it back gradually rather than cutting it drastically, as this enables the lawn to prioritise developing robust roots.
The expert advised: “A good rule of thumb to use when mowing a lawn is to adhere to the one-third rule, which basically states that you should not cut off more than a third of the height of the grass at a time.”
Those who mow their lawn every fortnight are more likely to end up with a hardier lawn that develops robust, deep roots and remains vibrant and lush throughout the summer months.