Ask ten Melbourne homeowners how often to mow and you will get ten answers. The honest answer is that it depends on the season, the grass type and how you want the lawn to look. Here is the simple guide I use on my own rounds across Ascot Vale, Essendon and Moonee Ponds.
The short answer
For most Melbourne lawns, mow every one to two weeks in the growing season (spring and early summer) and every three to four weeks in winter, when growth slows right down.
A season-by-season guide
| Season | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Weekly to fortnightly | Growth takes off, so keep on top of it |
| Summer | Fortnightly | Leave the grass a little longer to protect it from heat stress |
| Autumn | Fortnightly, easing off | Growth slows as temperatures drop |
| Winter | Every 3 to 4 weeks | Only when the lawn actually needs it |
The one-third rule
Never remove more than about a third of the blade height in a single mow. Cutting too much at once stresses the lawn, weakens the roots and invites weeds. If the grass has got away from you, bring it down in two stages a few days apart.
A regular, slightly higher cut almost always beats a short cut done occasionally.
Signs it is time to mow
- The lawn is about a third taller than its ideal height
- Seed heads are starting to show
- The edges of paths and garden beds look untidy
Common mistakes
- Cutting too short: scalping the lawn in summer leaves it open to burning and weeds
- Mowing wet grass: it clumps, cuts unevenly and can clog the mower
- Using a blunt blade: it tears the grass rather than cutting it cleanly
- Skipping edging: a crisp edge makes even an average lawn look cared for
Want it taken care of?
Most of my clients start with a one-off mow and then move to a fortnightly or monthly schedule, which is what my lawn maintenance service covers. If you are in Ascot Vale or nearby, see my Ascot Vale lawn mowing page or call 0408 536 228 for a free quote. Wondering about price? Read how much lawn mowing costs in Melbourne.
