When it comes to lawn care, mowing seems straightforward. But did you know that how high you set your mower blades is one of the most critical factors for a healthy, vibrant lawn? It's not just about aesthetics; it's about building resilience from the ground up.

The Golden Rule: Go Taller!

For typical residential lawns, especially here in Minnesota, we recommend maintaining a mowing height of 2.75 inches or higher. While a super-short cut might look neat initially, it's actually detrimental to your lawn's long-term health.

Why a Taller Cut is Better:

1. Natural Weed Control: Taller grass blades create more shade over the soil surface. This shading effect helps to smother out weed seeds, preventing them from getting enough sunlight to germinate and grow. It's like a natural, chemical-free weed barrier!

2. Deeper, Stronger Roots: This is perhaps the most crucial benefit. When you allow your grass to grow taller, its roots also grow deeper. Longer roots mean your lawn has a greater ability to reach water and nutrients further down in the soil. This significantly improves your lawn's ability to withstand drought conditions and absorb essential nutrients more efficiently.

3. Stress Tolerance: Especially during the harsh conditions of mid-summer (think heat and drying winds), taller grass is more resilient. Consider increasing your mowing height by an additional half inch during these stressful periods. This extra length provides more leaf tissue for photosynthesis and acts as an insulating layer for the soil, helping your lawn better tolerate heat and dehydration

4. Cooler Soil: The taller canopy helps keep the soil surface cooler. This is vital for beneficial soil microbes and for reducing water evaporation, meaning your lawn can stay hydrated longer.

By simply adjusting your mower deck, you can transform your lawn from merely green to genuinely thriving. Embrace the taller cut, and watch your lawn become more resilient, healthier, and naturally more resistant to weeds and drought!