The honest answer to "how often should I mow?" is: as often as it takes to never remove more than a third of the leaf in one cut. In an Ipswich summer that can mean every seven to ten days for kikuyu. In July it might be once a month. Here is how that plays out across the year for the grasses we mow most.
The one-third rule
Grass stores its energy in the leaf. Take off more than a third at once and the plant goes into shock: it browns, stops growing for a week or two, and opens up gaps for weeds. Mowing more often, at the right height, is less work for the lawn and leaves it thicker. It is also faster to mow, which is why scheduled clients get a better lawn for a lower price than people who call when it is knee-high.
Season by season in South East Queensland
| Season | Buffalo | Couch | Kikuyu | Zoysia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Sep–Nov) | Every 10–14 days | Every 7–10 days | Every 7 days | Every 14 days |
| Summer (Dec–Feb) | Every 7–10 days | Every 7 days | Every 5–7 days | Every 10–14 days |
| Autumn (Mar–May) | Every 14 days | Every 10–14 days | Every 10 days | Every 14–21 days |
| Winter (Jun–Aug) | Every 3–4 weeks | Every 3–4 weeks | Every 2–3 weeks | Every 4 weeks |
Those are the intervals our set-day routes are built around. A fortnightly cycle from September to April and a three- to four-weekly cycle through winter suits the majority of Ipswich lawns.
Cutting height matters as much as frequency
- Buffalo: 40–60 mm. Never scalp it; buffalo recovers slowly and burns in summer sun.
- Couch: 20–35 mm. Can be cut short, but only if it is mowed often; a short cut on long couch leaves it brown and stalky.
- Kikuyu: 30–45 mm. Tolerates almost anything but thatches if left long.
- Zoysia: 30–50 mm. Slow grower, so keep the blade sharp and do not over-mow.
In summer heat, and in any shaded area, lift the height a notch. Longer leaf shades the soil, holds moisture and crowds out weeds.
When not to mow
Wet grass. Mowing after a storm clumps the clippings, tears rather than cuts, and leaves ruts. If the lawn is soaked, wait a day. (Our route moves with the rain for exactly this reason.)
Heat-stressed lawn. If the lawn is wilting in a heatwave, a hard cut will scorch it. Mow early in the morning or wait for a cooler day.
Straight after fertilising. Give it two to three days.
Freshly laid turf. Wait until it has rooted (tug a corner; if it holds, it is ready), then give it a light first cut on a high setting.
Keep the blade sharp
A blunt blade tears the leaf and leaves white, frayed tips that brown off within a day. If your lawn looks grey-brown the day after you mow, sharpen or replace the blade. Our commercial mowers are sharpened on a schedule for the same reason.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I mow my lawn in summer in Queensland?
Every 7 to 10 days for most buffalo and couch lawns, and weekly for kikuyu. The aim is never to remove more than a third of the leaf in one cut.
How often should I mow in winter?
Every three to four weeks is enough for most South East Queensland lawns between June and August. Growth slows right down, so mow high and less often.
Is it bad to mow wet grass?
Yes. It clumps, tears the leaf, spreads fungal disease and leaves ruts. Wait until the lawn has dried out.
Is scalping a lawn ever a good idea?
Only for couch in early spring to remove thatch, and only if you are prepared to water and feed it afterwards. Never scalp buffalo or zoysia.
