The Joe's Lawn Experts regularly advise customers on the best mowing practice for a healthier lawn. These are backed up with learnings from the Institute of Groundsmanship and the latest international turf care practices.
These are the 3 top tips from Joe's:
For many of us little and often means once a week. This will produce a much denser and more aspirational turf than if your grass cutting is every two weeks. A dense turf is the best looking and a great form of natural weed control as it prevents weed seeds from contact with the soil. If the seed doesn't contact the soil, chances are that no weed grows; perfect! Cutting at the correct height encourages healthier roots, helps conserve water during dry periods, and ensures the grass plant remains healthy, whilst at the same time discouraging weeds. You will NOT benefit the grass by giving it a severe hacking less often. You will not do any harm if you cut more frequently so long as your lawn mower and blades are in good condition. The chances are in a dry summer you won't need to cut the grass much, as there will be little growth. However, don't go over two weeks between cuts, because some weed grasses will take advantage of the lack of lawn mowing and spread or seed profusely.
Never remove more than one third of the grass blade on any one mowing. Therefore, if your lawn mower is set for a 3cm (1") cut then you must mow at, or before, the grass gets to 4cm (1½"); regardless of whether that's 4 days or 8 days between cuts.
A good cut requires sharp blades.
Oh, and one more thing - If you are expecting a visit from Joe's, please don't cut the lawn for 3 or 4 days either side of the treatment - this helps the treatment to be as effective as possible.