As the lawns around Columbia, SC begin to come out of their dormant state this spring, your first mow is right around the corner. A common question that is asked by homeowners is “how short should I mow my lawn the first time in Columbia, SC?”

The answer to this question depends on two important factors. One, what species of turf grass your lawn consists of, and two, the unique situation your lawn is growing in. Below you will find some tips to help you determine how high you should cut your grass for the first time in the spring.

Tips for Mowing your Lawn for the First Time in Columbia, SC

When it comes time to mow your lawn for the first time in the spring, you should consider these tips. Being that a majority of lawns in Columbia, SC consist of warm season grass, I will cover how to handle these first.

How High Should I Mow Warm Season Grass in the Spring?

Warm season grasses are grasses that go dormant during the winter but can withstand high heats and drought during the summer. When a warm season grass goes dormant in the winter, some of the grass blades die. These dead blades of grass can block new sprouts from receiving sunlight which can slow your lawns growth.

To fix this problem, it is advised that the first time you mow your warm season lawn, you mow it slightly shorter than normal. Mowing shorter than normal will allow new shoots to get the sun they need to grow healthy and green. Be sure to always follow the 1/3 rule when mowing your grass. While you should try to mow slightly shorter than normal, never cut more than 1/3 the height of the grass. Doing so can cause burning and in turn, an unhealthy lawn.

Below you will find a list with recommended mowing heights for warm season grasses in the spring.

Cool season grasses are grasses that go dormant in the winter, but maintain their green color. Cool season grasses typically have lower tolerance for heat and drought depending on the species. Most of the blades will remain living throughout winter in Columbia, SC. This means that you don’t have to worry about shading out new sprouts. Sun hitting the previous season’s blades will help support new growth and a healthy lawn.

Because there is no need to remove dead growth when mowing a cool season lawn in the spring, you can mow at a normal height. Remember to follow the same 1/3 rule. Do not, I repeat, do not, mow more than 1/3 of the grass height, this will leave the roots of the grass exposed to the hot Columbia sun and your lawn will be scorched. Also, in especially shady areas try to leave the grass a little taller so that it can collect more sunlight.

Here is a list with the recommended mowing heights for cool season grasses in the spring.