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:
| Grass Type |
Ideal Mowing Height |
| Kentucky Bluegrass |
2.5–3.5 inches (6–9 cm) |
| Fine Fescue |
2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) |
| Tall Fescue |
3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm) |
| Perennial Ryegrass |
2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) |
| Mixed Cool-Season |
2.5–3.5 inches (6–9 cm) |
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
- One‑Third Rule: Never remove more than one‑third of the blade length in one mow.
- Sharp Blades: Dull blades tear grass, causing brown tips and disease risk—sharpen or replace each season.
- Frequent Mowing: Maintaining height means mowing more often—typically once per week during peak growth.
- Alternate Patterns: Change your mowing direction each time to prevent ruts and encourage upright growth.
- 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!