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How short should I mow my grass?

Quick answer

Mow cool-season grass at 3–4 inches and never remove more than one-third of the blade at a time. Taller grass shades out weeds, holds moisture and builds deeper roots. Keep blades sharp and leave clippings on the lawn.

Step by step

  1. 1Set deck to 3–4 inches
  2. 2Follow the one-third rule
  3. 3Sharpen blades each season
  4. 4Mulch clippings back in

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Common questions

How much does lawn mowing cost?

Typical suburban lots run about $35–$75 per visit.

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