One of the most common lawn care mistakes homeowners make is cutting grass too short. The right mowing height isn't just about appearance—it's critical for your lawn's health, especially in the hot, dry climate of the Concho Valley.

Cut too short, and you stress the grass, invite weeds, and make your lawn more vulnerable to heat and drought. Cut at the right height, and you'll have thicker, greener, healthier grass that requires less water and resists problems naturally.

Here's everything you need to know about mowing height for San Angelo lawns.

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Why Mowing Height Matters

Grass height directly affects:

• Root depth: Taller grass grows deeper roots, making it more drought-resistant
• Weed prevention: Dense, taller grass shades out weed seeds
• Heat tolerance: Longer blades protect soil from sun exposure
• Water retention: Taller grass reduces evaporation and moisture loss
• Photosynthesis: More leaf surface means better energy production

In West Texas, where heat and water stress are common, proper mowing height is one of the most important factors in lawn health.

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Best Mowing Heights for Common Concho Valley Grasses

Bermuda Grass (Most Common)

Bermuda grass is the most popular warm-season grass in San Angelo due to its heat and drought tolerance.

Recommended height: 1–2 inches

• Common Bermuda: 1.5–2 inches
• Hybrid Bermuda: 0.5–1.5 inches (for maintained lawns)

Why this height works:

• Bermuda thrives when cut shorter than other grasses
• Promotes dense, spreading growth
• Stays green and thick in summer heat

Caution: Don't scalp Bermuda below 0.5 inches unless you're a golf course. Most homeowners should stay around 1.5–2 inches for best results.

Buffalo Grass

Buffalo grass is a native, low-maintenance option gaining popularity for its drought resistance.

Recommended height: 2–3 inches

• Naturally short and dense
• Requires less frequent mowing
• Excellent for water conservation

St. Augustine Grass

Less common in the Concho Valley but found in some shaded or irrigated areas.

Recommended height: 2.5–4 inches

• Needs to be kept taller for health
• More shade-tolerant than Bermuda
• Requires consistent moisture

Tall Fescue (Rare but Present)

Occasionally used in cooler microclimates or shaded areas.

Recommended height: 3–4 inches

• Cool-season grass that struggles in Texas heat
• Needs taller cutting to survive summer

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The One-Third Rule

Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.

Here's why:

• Removing too much at once shocks the grass
• Stresses roots and slows growth
• Increases vulnerability to heat, disease, and pests
• Creates excessive clippings that smother the lawn

Example:
If your ideal height is 2 inches, you should mow when grass reaches about 3 inches. This removes one-third while keeping the lawn healthy.

If you let grass get too tall, mow more frequently at higher settings until you're back to the target height—don't scalp it all at once.

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Seasonal Height Adjustments for the Concho Valley

Spring (March–May)

Strategy: Start mowing as grass greens up, gradually lowering to ideal height.

• Bermuda grass wakes up and grows aggressively
• Mow frequently to maintain proper height
• Don't scalp early—let roots strengthen first

Summer (June–August)

Strategy: Keep grass at the higher end of recommended range.

• Taller grass survives heat stress better
• Provides shade for soil, reducing water loss
• Deeper roots access moisture during dry periods

Tip: Raise your mower deck by 0.5 inches during peak summer heat (July–August).

Fall (September–November)

Strategy: Return to standard height as temperatures cool.

• Grass growth slows but stays active
• Continue regular mowing until dormancy
• Keep removing fallen leaves to prevent smothering

Winter (December–February)

Strategy: Bermuda goes dormant—little to no mowing needed.

• Last mow of the season can be slightly shorter
• Remove debris but don't mow dormant grass frequently
• Wait for green-up in spring to resume regular schedule

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What Happens When You Cut Too Short (Scalping)

Scalping damages your lawn in multiple ways:

• Exposes soil: Allows weed seeds to germinate
• Weakens roots: Less leaf area means less energy production
• Increases water needs: Grass can't retain moisture as well
• Invites pests: Stressed grass is more vulnerable to insects and disease
• Creates bare spots: Grass thins out and struggles to recover

In extreme heat, a scalped lawn can turn brown and take weeks to recover—if it recovers at all.

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What Happens When You Let Grass Get Too Tall

While cutting too short is worse, letting grass grow too long also causes problems:

• Violates the one-third rule when you finally mow
• Creates excessive clippings that smother healthy grass
• Looks unkempt and uneven after cutting
• Can mat down and develop thatch issues

Consistency is key—mow regularly to maintain ideal height.

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Mower Settings: How to Set the Right Height

Most mowers have adjustable height settings, typically numbered or measured in inches.

Steps to set your mower:

• Check your mower's height range (usually 1–4 inches)
• Set based on your grass type (see recommendations above)
• Measure actual cutting height by mowing a small test area
• Adjust if needed—deck settings aren't always precise

Pro tip: Use a ruler to measure grass height before and after mowing to confirm you're cutting the right amount.

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Additional Mowing Best Practices

• Keep blades sharp: Dull blades tear grass instead of cutting cleanly, leading to brown tips and disease
• Mow when dry: Wet grass clumps, clogs mowers, and cuts unevenly
• Alternate mowing patterns: Prevents ruts and helps grass grow upright
• Leave clippings: They return nutrients to the soil (unless excessive)

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Professional Lawn Mowing Gets It Right Every Time

Professional lawn services understand proper height for your specific grass type and season. They:

• Maintain sharp, well-adjusted equipment
• Follow the one-third rule consistently
• Adjust for seasonal conditions
• Identify problems early (disease, pests, irrigation issues)
• Create a mowing schedule that keeps your lawn healthy

Most homeowners who switch to professional mowing notice a significant improvement in lawn thickness, color, and overall health within weeks.

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Need Professional Lawn Mowing in San Angelo?

At Joe's Mows, we know the right mowing height for every grass type in the Concho Valley. Our professional lawn care service keeps your grass healthy, thick, and green all season long—without the guesswork.