When newly planted grass starts to sprout across your yard, it means you have successfully seeded and germinated your own turf. Eventually, the lush lawn cools the surrounding air on summer days. The fragile sprouts need care as they begin to establish themselves in the soil. So, when do you begin to mow your newly seeded grass? Mowing requires observation of your seedlings to ensure you don’t cut them by the blades too soon.
Timing
Timing is of essence in determining when to mow new grass. Generally, four weeks need to pass after the grass seeds have germinated before beginning to mow your new grass. Grass seedlings lack strong leaf blades that withstand compaction and cutting from a mower. So, the turf grass should be allowed to gain some strength before cutting them. Furthermore, new seedlings are still establishing their roots in the soil, so, don’t mow too soon as this would result in the mower’s wheels and blades pulling the grass sprouts out of the ground, instead of cutting them.
Mowing too soon also makes the mower compacts the soil at the same time, which contributes to poor root spread as the seedlings struggle to gain strength in the ground.
Proper Lawn Cutting
Mow the grass appropriately to avoid severe die back. Use a mower with sharp blades to cut dry grass so that the turf is not torn or ripped as it is cut low. Maintain a 2- or 3-inch height. Cutting lower than this range would make invading weeds and heat stress invite pests and pathogens into the newly seeded lawn. Mow in varied directions to help the grass remain upright and properly cut. Avoid cutting in one direction as this would make the blades lay down and compact into the soil.
Observe the Height
Grass height determines mowing time. Sprouts ready for mowing are those that have reached 3- or 4-inch height. Maintain a moist grass structure as it is necessary for grass establishment. Allow the grass to dry for 48 hours before mowing it for the first time. Cut only one third of the grass height away at a time. Mow repeatedly to bring the height to a more manageable height of 2- to 3-inches. Use slow turns when passing mower across the lawns, so that the wheels don’t accidentally pinch the turf and pull it away from the soil.
Considering Renovation
When your established turf has bare patches, you can consider seeding the bare patches to have an even turf. After that, you may mow the grown grass while avoiding the patches altogether. As the seedlings germinate and grow, apply the same timing and height observances, incorporating in their cutting. Eventually, your new planted grass will blend together with the established one into a cohesive mixture without any sign of the past patches.
New lawns need time for their roots to be established before they can be mowed for the first time. Seeded lawns may need up to 2 months before they are ready to be mowed. Sod may need 2 to 3 weeks after planting before mowing can be done.
Also read our article on Tips for Mowing Your Lawn with a Riding Mower!
