How Often Should You Mow Your Florida Lawn?

The Golden Rule of Mowing

Before we dive into schedules, there's one rule that applies to all lawns: Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing. Cutting more stresses the grass, weakens the root system, and makes your lawn more susceptible to pests and disease.

This single rule actually determines how often you need to mow—when your grass has grown to 1/3 above the ideal height, it's time to mow.

Mowing Frequency by Season in Central Florida

Florida's year-round growing season means your mowing needs change throughout the year. Here's what we recommend for most Central Florida lawns:

Summer (June - September)

Frequency: Weekly

This is the peak growing season. Warm temperatures, afternoon thunderstorms, and long days mean your grass is growing at maximum speed. During summer, most lawns need mowing every 7 days—sometimes even more frequently after heavy rain.

Pro Tip: In the hottest weeks, raise your mower height by 1/2 inch. Taller grass shades the soil, reducing water evaporation and heat stress.

Spring (March - May)

Frequency: Weekly to Every 10 Days

As temperatures warm up, grass comes out of its slower winter growth. By late spring, you'll likely need weekly service. Early spring (March) might still allow for every-10-day mowing.

Fall (October - November)

Frequency: Every 10 Days to Bi-Weekly

Growth begins to slow as temperatures cool and days shorten. You can typically stretch mowing intervals to every 10 days, moving to bi-weekly by late November.

Winter (December - February)

Frequency: Bi-Weekly to Monthly

Growth slows dramatically, but unlike northern states, Florida lawns don't go completely dormant (except Bermuda and Zoysia). Bi-weekly mowing is usually sufficient, with some lawns only needing monthly cuts in the coolest months.

Mowing Height by Grass Type

Mowing at the correct height is just as important as frequency. Here are the recommended heights for Central Florida grasses:

Important: St. Augustine grass, the most common in Central Florida, should be kept relatively tall. Cutting it too short is one of the most common mistakes we see, and it leads to thin, stressed lawns.

Signs You're Mowing Too Infrequently

How do you know if you're waiting too long between mows? Watch for these signs:

1. Clumps of grass clippings on the lawn after mowing
2. Yellow or brown tips on the grass blades
3. Scalping—bare spots where you've cut down to the stems
4. Thatch buildup getting worse despite other good practices
5. Uneven appearance with some areas taller than others

If you see clumps after mowing, you're either mowing too infrequently or cutting too much at once. Don't bag the clippings—instead, mow again a few days later to distribute them.

Why Consistent Mowing Matters

Beyond aesthetics, regular mowing provides real benefits:

Healthier Grass

Consistent mowing encourages lateral growth, making your lawn thicker and denser. This naturally crowds out weeds and creates a more resilient turf.

Pest Prevention

Overgrown lawns create habitat for pests. Chinch bugs, in particular, love the thatch layer that builds up in infrequently mowed St. Augustine lawns.

Better Nutrient Recycling

When you mow regularly and leave clippings on the lawn (grasscycling), those clippings break down quickly and return nutrients to the soil. Remove too much at once, and the thick layer of clippings smothers the grass.

HOA Compliance

Many Central Florida neighborhoods have HOA rules about lawn maintenance. Weekly mowing during growing season keeps you in compliance and your neighbors happy.

Our Mowing Service Options

At Proverbs Landscape, we offer mowing frequencies designed around Florida's growing patterns:

• Weekly Service ($45/visit): Best for a consistently manicured lawn during growing season
• Every 10 Days ($52/visit): Good balance for moderate growth periods
• Bi-Weekly Service ($55/visit): Suitable for winter months or budget-conscious maintenance

All services include professional mowing, string trimming, edging, and blow-off.

The Bottom Line

For most Central Florida homeowners, here's the simple answer:

• March through October: Mow weekly
• November through February: Mow every two weeks

Adjusting based on rainfall and growth, of course. A week of heavy afternoon thunderstorms might require an extra cut, while a dry winter week might allow you to skip.

Let Us Handle It

Managing your own mowing schedule around Florida's unpredictable weather can be challenging. Our weekly maintenance plans take the guesswork out of lawn care—we monitor growth and adjust as needed.

Ready for a perfectly maintained lawn without the hassle?

Call (904) 749-9658 or get a free estimate today.