skip to main content

How high is too high?

12 years ago

I've seen it mentioned a lot on this forum that grass oftentimes does better if mowed on your mower's highest setting. Our lawn is not doing very well, its thin and weedy, and so I thought I'd try raising the height of my mower. I use a Toro Super Recycler and its highest setting is 4.25". Is this too high? Is it a problem if the grass is flowering shortly after its cut? Or does that mean I should lower the blade? I don't have any neighbors that can see my lawn, and I don't care too much how it looks in the short term, as long as what I'm doing is helping it improve for the long term. Thanks.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

neilaz
12 years ago
What kind of grass is this?
darknova
Original Author
12 years ago
Unfortunately I don't know the type of grass. Based on our area we basically have KBG, fescues, and perennial ryegrass, but I haven't learned enough to tell the difference yet. There are a lot of weeds in there too. After reading, it seems like it would probably be a good idea to overseed this fall, but for now I'm just trying to figure out how to manage things as best as I can.
Related Discussions
How high is too high?
Q
Comments (1)
If the grass is three feet tall, then health department of the municipal government with jurisdiction over the area may be able to get the owner to cut the grass. OR send him the following link and he may change his mind about tall grass. http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/tractor/msg05183308608.html?4 It is something to think about.
...See More
How high is too high?
Q
Comments (18)
Hi, I wonder how your lawn is doing now? It looks a lot like my lawn has looked in shadier areas and I mow high all the time. This year, however, I decided to fertilize the lawn to try to build up the soil. I have around 10,000sq ft and bought around 240 lbs of alfalfa pellets and spread them all over the grass with a few good quality seeds mixed in. Then I spread around 6 bags of milorganite (I know the product is controversially organic, but I'm limited by cost, availability, and ability) I have sandy loam and loamy sand and I don't water the lawn, since it costs too much in money and water... I do, however let the rain come off the roof(no gutters) and have sloped and put sheeting under the mulch to keep the moisture away from the foundation and crawl space. With the rains, and fertilizer, the grass is getting so lush and beautiful. It is beginning to go to seed, so I hesitate to cut it as it is approaching 6" and my mower cuts to 4. I'm going to cut as high as possible most of the summer. I do have a rash of plantain, however, in spots ( I hate to tell you how many hours I spent pulling it the last couple of years, and my hands are too valuable to me for other things to wear them out this way (so I'm contemplating spot treating them unless you have a better idea. (usually I chicken out and don't use chemicals.. haven't so far yet anyway)
...See More
Brisket Question
Q
Comments (5)
Don't need to raise the temperature and probably won't take any longer than my two 6-pound briskets cooked at the same time in one pot. I might cut it in half to facilitate browning and cook according to recipe. A touch more liquid would be in order as mentioned. Brisket will dry out if the connective tissue is over-cooked too long or too high a temperature. If fork-tender, it is done. I cook mine at 300
...See More
How high is too high for an executive office desk?
Q
Comments (3)
That height might be OK for writing, but if he or she is going to be using a keyboard, I think it is probably too high. The adjustable chair should be set so that the user can sit with his hips at the same height as his knees rather than adjusted to the height of the desk. I think the keyboard should be about 2" above your thighs, which usually means a keyboard tray. Maybe the middle draw could be converted to a keyboard tray.
...See More
kevingalaxy
12 years ago
Hey, i have the same mower and i set it one setting down from the highest. It might be a bit long but the grass stays green and looks great. I would set it at this height and then set about killing off all the weeds now. (weed b gon and weed hound) Then when fall comes along just overseed and you should be good. good luck.
bpgreen
12 years ago
If you don't mind it at that height and it doesn't flop over, it's okay to mow it at that height. If you don't like the looks or if it starts to flop over, I'd lower the deck a notch.
WestchesterGrower
12 years ago
I think it would be perfect to mow from 3.75-4" or around that. Would definitely keep it above the 3.75 though in most of the hotter months. If you have healthy grass early on, you can train it to grow longer, become dense, and look fine being cut at a higher height. If the grass is thinning out and burned out, it will probably look quite bad, but still important to do.
jdo053103
12 years ago
I have fescue lawn in charlotte nc...i never cut over 3" and its 100deg here. the lawn is thick, green and weed free. i water once per week, 1-1.25. i think it all depends on the quality of the grass seed you have.

Related Stories

HOME TECH If ‘High-Def’ TV Isn’t High Enough, Maybe You Need Ultra-HD

The ultra-luxury next generation of TV, called Ultra-HD, is finally here. And so is the first content, if you know where to look

PLANTING IDEAS Great Garden Combo: 5 High-Intensity Plants for High-Intensity Sun

Blend bold foliage and flowers to create a powerful combination that will hold its own even in the harsh light of midsummer

DECORATING GUIDES Get the High Style of Ebony Minus the High Price

By Elements of Style

Bring the elegance of a prized wood to your rooms with techniques that replicate the look for less

DECORATING GUIDES 11 Spaces That Aced High School

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. But who knew high school influenced interior designs too?

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: You are Invited to High Tea

By FROM THE RIGHT BANK

Create a table worthy of the high tea tradition with fine linen, porcelain and pretty accents

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: High Chairs for All Tastes

By Damaris @KitchenCorners

With modern designs, convertible options and more color choices than ever, there's a high chair to fit every style

Colors Shine at High Point Market

By Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR

High Point 2011: Saturated color (and lots of purple) leads the charge at fall's biggest furniture fair

DECORATING GUIDES Bone Made Strong Showing at High Point Market

By Kristy Woodson Harvey and Beth Woodson

From small boxes to big lighting fixtures, bone and bone inlay had a solid presence at the 2012 High Point Market

SUMMER GARDENING 6 Water-Wise Perennials for Blazing High-Altitude Summers

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

Scorching weather and high elevations don't have to mean scraggly plantings. These blooms are as gorgeous as they are tough

MOST POPULAR How High Should You Mount Your TV?

By Matt Clawson

Today we look at an important question to consider when locating your television: How high should you set it?

Sponsored

MCR ROMERO WORK LLC

Innovative & Creative General Contractors Servicing Franklin County

More Discussions

Sowed a month ago, but little to no germination

5

plastic netting implanted in lawn!

2

Every spring and fall with pre-emergent, but still lot weeds???

3

Plastic netting in lawn starter

2

ultrasonic rat devices

0