The Best Mowing Height for Common Australian Lawn Grasses
2 min read The Aussie Mowing Team
Cutting your lawn at the right height is one of the simplest ways to keep it thick, green and weed-free. Mow too low and you weaken the grass; mow too high and the lawn can look untidy and thatchy. The ideal height depends mostly on your grass type.
Recommended mowing heights
These ranges are a general guide for common Australian lawn grasses. Individual varieties differ, so check the advice for your specific turf if you know it.
| Grass type | Typical mowing height | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo | 30–50 mm | Keep to the higher end in shade and summer heat. |
| Kikuyu | 25–40 mm | Fast grower that needs regular mowing to stay neat. |
| Couch | 15–30 mm | Tolerates a lower cut, but needs frequent mowing to look its best. |
| Zoysia | 20–40 mm | Slower growing, so it needs mowing less often. |
| Tall fescue | 40–60 mm | Cool-season grass that prefers a longer cut. |
Why mowing too short does more harm than good
It’s tempting to cut the lawn very short so you don’t have to mow as often, but scalping your lawn causes problems:
- Weaker roots. Grass needs leaf to make energy. Less leaf means shallower roots and a lawn that struggles in hot, dry weather.
- More weeds. Thin, short grass lets sunlight reach the soil, which helps weed seeds germinate.
- Brown patches. Cutting into the stems and runners exposes them to the sun and can leave the lawn brown for weeks.
Adjust your height through the year
- Summer: raise the cut by around 10 mm to help the lawn shade its roots and hold moisture.
- Shaded areas: leave the grass longer so it has more leaf to capture limited light.
- Winter: mow less often, and avoid cutting lower just before the cold sets in.
Follow the one-third rule
Whatever your grass type, never remove more than a third of the leaf in one mow. If your lawn has grown long, bring it down gradually over a few mows rather than all at once. For more on timing, see our guide on how often to mow your lawn.
Sharp blades make a difference
A blunt mower blade tears the grass instead of cutting it, leaving ragged tips that brown off and are more prone to disease. Clean, sharp blades give a neater finish and a healthier lawn.
Leave it to the professionals
Our team mows at the right height for your grass type and the time of year, every visit. Learn about our lawn mowing service or get a free quote.
