How High Do I Cut My Grass? 

Also, cutting taller means a deeper root structure which can help the turf.

I sure wish I had a neighbor like you. Not just for your turf knowledge but you are just an honest Good Ole Boy. Thanks for the videos!

One thing I don't think you may have accounted for when measuring blade height is that the mower wheels don't rest on the dirt. I may be wrong, but the grass keeps the mower a bit higher off the ground. That may be the difference between the wheel setting, and where the blade was measured at. Maybe measuring the grass after it's cut may be a better indication of blade height.

So ,true, I I started cutting 4 1/2" last year and my grass is fuller, greener and happier all season.

Wife does not like me cutting high. Time to put my foot down and start cutting higher. Thanks Pete

Brother, I’m STILL watching this in 2019. I’ve learned so much.

It’s amazing watching a good ole boy say these big words refreshing lol

I'm so glad to see that someone made a video about this. I've been arguing with my family for years now over why I cut the Bermuda grass at a min 3 1/2 all year, and only once a week. I learned everything you talked about in college biology and science, and I'm a die-hard gardener, but try to talk science to people who want to rush off to the lake, beach, or just not have to work on their lawn. People think scalping the lawn will keep them from having to cut sooner, but what that does, as much as scorching the roots, is allows weeds to come in and take over.

Pete, i've been doing this starting just this year, its now June 2019 glad i found your channel!!

*Hey, all is not lost Tall Fescue lovers!* I just finished working on my 21" Craftsman (MTD?) push mower. I was going to jerry rig the wheel mounting brackets to make it mow higher by drilling some holes and bolting the brackets lower on the side, so the blade runs higher. *_Turns out there already is another set of mounting holes there on the side of the body._* The original holes are for the average home owner who doesn't know any better, and the other set is for the *GCI* followers who want a higher and better cut. Also the wheel bracket has another hole to mount the wheel. Sitting on the sidewalk, the mower looks like it's 6 inches high and reminds me of a Monster truck , but I measured almost 4 inches. That's a s high as my fine Fescue can handle without flopping over too much. Tall Fescue should like it. Check it out. Thanks, Pete for the info.

My Gawd, this all made sense to me, and you breaking down the science makes more sense because now I can understand the natural elements of grass growth, which then I can buy and get the right tools, and products to fix my lawn. Instead of just wildly buying stuff to see what works... Thanks for the lesson!

Thanks for this video which I reviewed several times! Then I went out yesterday to purchase a new Toro Personal Pace 60V/7.5AH Max Stow Mower to cut my tall/fine fescue blended lawn at 4 inches. It looks greener and the precision cut is on point! My older mower 's max cut height was 3 inches, which left my lawn looking a little scalped and thirsty. Again, thanks for the tips and explanations!

HAPPY'S FAMILY great couple....great videos!!! So happy for them!!!

I've always cut my lawn on high. One reason was to give any weeds competition from the thick grass plus; the sun doesn't have much opportunity to dry up the soil.

Man I swear this is the best grass video I've ever watched. I learned with bermuda grass its the same way. They tell you to cut it short, but when you do that and the cool temp comes it weakens your grass. I 've mixed my bermurda with tall fescue and honestly i'm cutting both grass types hire than every youtuber has said you should. Thanks for this video it was educational for sure.

Great information. We just started letting our grass grow higher for all the reasons you stated in your video. Thanks

Love it! Simple language ... simple explanation ... with a test plot for those from Missouri, the show me state. It’s no wonder your channel is growing! Say hey to Jaxx!

I was also told that 3 1/2" was tall way back, but had a habit of setting my blade tips on a concrete floor using an impact socket that was 3 3/4", that is set the blade tips to just touch the socket as it was standing up in front of the deck. Worked well to level the deck too. Then I went to Ventrac a few years back and got the contour mower. Was supposed to cut 3 1/2" or a tad over, but at its highest setting it was only 3 1/2" by measure of the grass blades from ground to tip. The mow quality looked great, but over time the grass health went down. Last summer, already too late to make a difference for that season, I purchased the new improved 72" deck and it cuts up to a true 5" from concrete floor (a bit taller in the turf as measured by the grass blade from dirt to tip. AND, the grass health is improving. I do not irrigate or fertilize or use chemicals for weeds or bugs, but it will recover and choke out most weeds.

I just recently ran across your channel and have been watching as many of your videos as I can. Thank you 1st of all for taking the time to make them. I've been running a small mowing operation since 2012 but I primarily mow cemeteries. My yard however is my baby and I've been getting it whipped into shape. I plan on doing some overseeding this fall to get that lush thick turf. Thanks again and I look forward to the many more videos from you.

Thank you for the video Pete I really appreciate it I agree with you 100% I mow my yard at four and a half all the time

I wanted to cry watching you cut that beautiful lawn , but thank you for doing it in the line of learning .

This is the most educational video on grass that I’ve ever come across.

Amen, I was cutting at 3.5 inches and my yard was starting to slow down mowed it up to 4” and my empty lot next to house is pretty and green and neighbors mowing at 2” to 3” have burnt up yards it’s the beginning of August hot, very little rain. I also learn with my new ZTM to go slower, still full throttle and with super sharp blades the deck sucks the grass blades up and cuts them clean. Amazing after so many years of cutting it short and Burnt up. Thank you for Video. Maybe my neighbors will listen to you, but they see my results so I doubt it 😂

Brother you just preached the gospel of grass cutting and I cut high as well and tall turf traps more rain water and holds nutrients better!

You the man. Thanks for the videos.

Great video! This season I made myself measure my blade height and realized it is cutting an inch lower than I thought. So this definitely was a very informative video! Thank you! I have to say I am excited that I won too, Thank you again!!!

Thanks Pete, I learned something today👍

This guy knows his shit!! Hands down. Great channel

Bought a new mower last spring because the old one only went to 3.5. Couldn't agree with you more Pete! Side note: new mower says 4.5" for the tallest height, but it actually measures at 4 5/8, but I'm not complaining.

Pete... man, you are a such a class act and have such great turf advice. Your level of expertise is 2nd to none. Have a great week, brother.

Makes sense brother. Thanks for the video.

I'm about to reseed a lawn in Australia with Tall Fescue. It's forecast to be really hot this summer in Australia. Were talking 104 F and 40C up to 118F and 48C. Unlimited water so far around my place. We'll see what happens. Good advice, I'll take it on.

Took your advice this spring, started cutting my turf type tall fescue at 4” ( bought a new mower to achieve that height) ( used a GCI ruler to measure 😊) and what a difference! Even in the rainless heat wave we’ve been having in SW Va. my lawn looks amazing! Thanks for all the great advice BroPete!

Thank you, very informative.,...FYI, I took the mulching blade off my mulching mower and replaced it with a medium lift blade, to get a better discharge. Have a great day. 😁

Pete thank you for the lesson. In A&P class osmosis was an intricate part of the chemistry portion when I was trying to get into nursing. It makes plenty sense to me. I laid a new and sod f fescue 8 months back and it's been tricky try to get to the best height. Wouldn't you know, my son cut the grass this time and left it at 1inch tall. I was furious but I didn't want him to really know it. Thanks to this education, I will direct him to visit your videos before I ask I'm to do anything else.keep an coming

Pete great tutorial...cutting grass high has many benefits!

I appreciate every video you put out! Thanks for all you do

Thanks Pete. Going to follow you all season with your recommendations. Will join the academy.

Pete the channel is growing as fast as my grass since you have treated it.

This is My New Favorite Channel for sure!

Love the videos, Very much appreciated. Thank you God bless you and your family.

Great video! I have all tall fescue and this video has opened my eyes! Thanks so much!

Knowledge is power buddy, thanks!

this was very helpful thank you!

Thanks Pete for the great video.

Makes sense! I've been cutting my grass during the spring at about 2-1/2". (setting on my mower) and by the time summer started to show up I'm browning out all over the place. Next year I'll let the grass grow higher during the spring and allow photosynthesis & osmosis to do their thing so that I'll have a lush yard like yours. I have Kentucky bluegrass planted in my yard I'll bet it will still react the same way.

Great info Pete!!! Thanks Sir

This was the exact information I needed. Thanks for not telling me 345 times when to water my lawn for healthy grass.

Do you have a follow up to show the difference later in the season?

Very good information! Thanks!!

Good video thank u so much f ur hard work all the years gone by

Very good and informative video once again, Pete! As you were talking about the taller grass not only absorbing more sun, water, nutrients, etc. and that taller blades break the wind and keeping the soil and other grass blades from drying out I was thinking about how farmers will grow a row of trees between fields to break the wind from drying out their fields and crops. Same sort of principle applies here.

I mow high at 4 inches to keep it nice and green. I run a Timemaster 30 from Toro and it has performed well. I'm going to get a 48 inch Hydro since I love mowing my grass and like using what the pros use. Nice videos Pete.

New SUB been running across your videos I appreciate you taking the time to educate us and put out these great videos sir!! SALUTE!

First time seeing a video of yours. I subscribed about 2 minutes into this. Nice job.

Thanks Pete I learned so much in this video 😎👍

Thanks for sharing Pete. No better teacher than experience.

Thanks for the education.

My husband always insisted of cutting the lawn lower, but I've convinced him to cut it higher, and now he's a fan. But, I'm going to raise it another .5 inches after watching this video.

Excellent !!! Here in New England with Kentucky Blue Grass- I cut high 3.5 inches all spring and summer and only in late fall do I bring it down a little.

Hey Pete I've been in this business for 40 some-odd years you're giving out great advice and very true about the height of the cut I wish love my customers would listen to this I tell him over and over and over and I still want to cut short and their yard never looks at great so keep up the good work bud

For foliar absorption alone its worth it. For canopy crowding out weeds alone its worth it. The list goes on.

KBG or tall fescue in south central Indiana? Thoughts?

Great video and yes....i cannot cut quite that high and with so much unusual rain this year....hard to find a dry day....hard to keep on top of cutting one third....just cut when i can and as high as i can....but i get ya....sounds good..thanks

I started mowing 4.5 inches last summer. Had no issues with a burnt law July-August. All my neighbors burned as they all cut 3 inches. 👌🏾👌🏾

I like your grass height ruler. I made a sort of copy of it today. I use a common wood door jamb shim (pine wedges used for installing entry doors in houses) and marked one side of it with permanent marker at inch intervals. Dual purpose, as it is the same shim I use for deck scraping on my push mower. On large mower decks, I use a bee hive tool; which is a GREAT hand tool to have around.

Great video and lots of information. I never thought to actually check the height of the blade.

Great information

Pete, When you aerate and overseed in the fall, do you keep the cut height the same or do you lower it some to help the seed to soil contact?

I sent this video to my brother I law going to help him train his fescue has a beautiful house and yard would make a killer place with all the landscaping.

I am a little late 😂😂 awesome video I will be watching a lot more. Thanks for the education!!!

Good biology teacher. I will follow your advice.

Nice job my friend well done wealth of knowledge through hard work and experience ton of respect for guys like you. Just getting out their every day going to work !!!!! Some is of the experience is learning the hard way hands on and trial by error and hands like leather from hard work !!! Same way learned my craft HVAC !!!!

I've been watching your videos now for about a month I just hit the Subscribe button hands down you have the best videos

How high should I keep my zoysia grass? Thank you.

After 20 years of mowing my own grass (and having a few die offs) this year I finally came to my senses and started mowing my new bluegrass in my backyard at the highest my 1999 model Honda Harmony will go. Unfortunately that's only 3.5 inches. The grass is easily among the best looking I've seen anywhere. The tall fescue I have in front (which I HATE!) though I mow at 3" as it flops over at anything over that.

PETE!!!! Great video!!!

Thanks for the tip I was gonna start cutting the grass higher for better stripes know I know how high.

You know it buddy. Grass just ain’t meant to be short !! Were I live people cot their grass so short it amazes me. Then after a few hot days and no rain , it turns brown !! Yup , I cut mine tall and stays green !! Awesome video man !!

Hey I been thinking about this thanks to you.... I know my yard is better off high I know this because my neighbors mow low and I do mean low, What I dont know is how high is best for my yard. I planted creeping red fescue, clover, and who knows what else lol. I sowed my yard 21 years ago and havent done anything but mow it since. I am going to crawl under my deck and adjust it so I max out the height of cut while keeping the mower deck level. Then I will record my height at all the settings on the mower. I will mow different sections of the yard on the top three setting of the mower and I will be able to see which is best for my yard when the Summer heat gets here. Thank you for the effort you put into these videos. .

Great video, now you got me thinking about raising my cutting height of my bermuda from 0.5" to 3/4". :D Good thing that you're not giving away academy seed, because Telly Coleman is renovating with bermuda LOL. At least that's the name that I could pick out. The cards at the end of the video covered up the names.

Great information! Learned a lot. Now my issue is my 3 inch sprinklers. How tall of a sprinkler do you recommend for a 4 inch grass height?

I have tall fescue and I was about to go with Bermuda because I was tired of heat stress even when I watered it. Buuuutttt I ran into this amazing guy on this channel and I cut at 4 inches. My neighbors respect my yard game now 😂. “I guess he is not in the yard for nothin now” 😂

I mowed at 4.5 inches last year! Best yards i ever had!

If you want to maximize the effectiveness of your irrigation, water in the morning. Water deep not frequently. In the MORNING THE STOMATES ARE FULLY OPEN, so when you irrigate in the morning you will be fully utilizing the STOMATES and osmosis. The opposite happens at night. This is because the plant knows its about to get colder, and to protect itself it closes the stomates. The stomates are located on the bottom of the leaf blade, and can be seen with a decent microscope. Now if it's going to be a windy day the stomates will be less effective because they will either close early, and or hardly open. This is because it's protecting its self from evaporation. It pleases me to see someone that questions, and corrects the out of date maintenence habits we use on turf. KEEP UP THE HARD WORK Bro! Know your turf. Know that turfs needs. Know how that turf is going to react to whatever Ma Nature throws in your area. More turf blade the more ENERGY it will store for reserve. Short turf has next to no reserve of energy.

I’ve always loved cutting taller for exactly what you spoke on👍

Hey Pete do you happen to have the link to the results video of the difference in stress per the cut height on this area of grass at the end of the test? Thanks!

what push mower do you use. Mine only goes as high as 3 to 3 and a half inches.

You win...I thought 3.5 -4 was high compared to my neighbors. I usually cut in a games court which is far shorter but the time and money spent on the court is far greater than the high grass, time to pick her up a notch or two...thanks man

Good Stuff

Oh yeah , your property looks beautiful !! I mean it’s awesome !! I subscribed

Great video! I use to drop the deck and end of this pass season I realized I was sooooo wrong ✂💯

Should I bag my clippings or mulch my clippings please reply... Just want your opinion.. thanks

This video got me to purchase a new that cuts at 4”. My previous mower didn’t cut higher than 2.44”.

Pete, would you say this would be the same rule of thumb for perrenial rye grass. Your yard is nice lush and thick. Mine seems to be more matted down, even though Im cutting it at 3 inches high ? I have clay soil which needs alot of water in the summer. Vancouver Island, British Columbia , Canada.

Hey Pete! I just watched this video and it seems too late for my Nj TTTF grass. I cut her at 3.5” for my summer hoc with my 21” Honda HRR. It goes to 4” (which I’ll double check) but I always felt it got too floppy and long at 4”. I know it’s late June but I’ll let it grow out a bit more to cut at 4”. Now I have irrigation and with that being said you still recommend at least 4” with an irrigated TTTF, correct? I normally cut every 7 days.

Photosynthesis is a process that converts light energy into chemical energy. Plants absorb photo-energy and use it, along with Co2 and water, to manufacture sugar. The sugars provide the energy to drive all of the metabolic processes.

Great advice Pete. I am attempting to mow my lawn much higher (as high as the mower will allow) than I did last year and we shall see how it turns out. I have a primarily Rye/Fine Fescue lawn so I am interested in seeing its response.

Pete, What about if we have a blended cool season Turf and Tall Fescue is only one component of the blend? Such as a blend of Tall Fescue, Kentucky Blue, and Perennial Rye? What's a good height in that case?

I have a tiff lawn, when I let it grow tall it thins out, when I cut it low it thickens up.