What Is the Ideal Mowing Height for Lawns in Edmonton?

The right mowing height is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to maintain a healthy, resilient lawn in Edmonton’s unique climate. Cutting too short can stress grass, invite weeds, and expose soil to sunscald. Cutting too high can lead to thatch buildup and a shaggy appearance. Find out how to set your mower blade for the perfect cut every time.

Why Mowing Height Matters

• Root Development: Taller grass shades soil, keeps roots cooler, and encourages deeper rooting.
• Weed Suppression: A thicker, denser canopy crowds out weed seedlings.
• Moisture Retention: Longer blades reduce evaporation and help the lawn withstand dry spells.
• Disease Resistance: Proper height minimizes stress that can invite fungal issues.

Recommended Heights for Edmonton’s Grass Types

Edmonton’s cool-season grasses (Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, perennial rye) thrive at these heights:

Tip: Adjust by season: mow slightly higher (add ¼” or ~1 cm) during summer heat and slightly lower (subtract ¼”) in spring and fall.

Mowing Best Practices

1. One‑Third Rule: Never remove more than one‑third of the blade length in one mow.
2. Sharp Blades: Dull blades tear grass, causing brown tips and disease risk—sharpen or replace each season.
3. Frequent Mowing: Maintaining height means mowing more often—typically once per week during peak growth.
4. Alternate Patterns: Change your mowing direction each time to prevent ruts and encourage upright growth.
5. Grasscycling: Leave clippings to decompose and return nutrients to the soil (providing they’re less than 1” long).

Seasonal Adjustments

• Spring (April–May): Start at the upper end of your ideal range to remove winter debris; gradually lower to normal height.
• Summer (June–August): Raise blade ¼” to help shade roots and conserve moisture.
• Fall (September–October): Lower back to normal or slightly lower to encourage tillering before dormancy.

Common Mowing Mistakes to Avoid

• Scalping: Cutting too short exposes crowns and weakens grass.
• Irregular Schedule: Letting grass grow excessively forces large clippings and uneven cuts.
• Wet Mowing: Mowing wet grass leads to clumping and uneven cuts—wait until turf is dry.

Final Thoughts

Setting your mower to the ideal height is a quick, cost‑free way to improve lawn health, appearance, and drought resistance in Edmonton. Mowing might seem simple, but getting it just right can be time-consuming and requires consistent attention. At Neighbourhood Heroes, we use fully electric mowers and equipment to keep your lawn at its ideal height while protecting the environment. Our all-electric fleet delivers a quiet, zero-emissions service that’s better for your yard and your neighbourhood.

👉 Learn more about our fully-electric mowing services

Or, if you’re ready to leave the mowing to us and make sure it’s done right, contact us today to book your professional mowing service!