Common Bermuda grass is one of the most popular warm-season grasses for homeowners who want a durable, fast-growing, and attractive lawn.
This guide breaks down the ideal mowing height for Common Bermuda grass, how often to cut it, and the key practices needed to maintain a resilient, lush lawn.
Common Bermuda Mowing Height
The recommended mowing height for Common Bermuda grass is 1.0 to 2.0 inches. This range keeps the turf dense and promotes strong lateral growth. Since Common Bermuda spreads aggressively through stolons and rhizomes, maintaining a low mowing height encourages it to fill in bare spots and resist weeds.
Why the Height Matters
- Too low (below 1 inch): Scalping becomes a risk, exposing stems and causing thinning.
- Too high (above 2 inches): The grass becomes puffy, less dense, and more susceptible to weeds like crabgrass and clover.
For best results, choose a mowing height within the recommended range based on your equipment and maintenance schedule.
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Best Mowing Height Based on Equipment
| Equipment Type | Best Mowing Height Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Reel Mower | 0.75 – 1.25 inches | Ideal for low, clean cuts; produces a golf-course-like finish. |
| Rotary Mower | 1.25 – 2.00 inches | Suitable for most homeowners; reduces scalping risk. |
| Manual Push Reel Mower | 1.0 – 1.5 inches | Works best on smooth lawns; requires frequent mowing. |
| Ride-On Mower / Lawn Tractor | 1.5 – 2.0 inches | Handles larger yards; easier for consistent higher cuts. |
| Electric / Battery Mower | 1.25 – 2.0 inches | Performs well at mid-range heights; good for small to medium lawns. |
| Commercial Reel Mower (7–10 blades) | 0.5 – 1.0 inches | Used for sports turf or high-quality residential Bermuda lawns. |
| Commercial Rotary Mower | 1.25 – 1.75 inches | Ideal for large residential or commercial landscapes. |
| Hover Mower | 1.25 – 2.0 inches | Lightweight and maneuverable; good for uneven terrain. |
| Self-Propelled Mower | 1.25 – 2.0 inches | Easier for hilly or large lawns; maintain mid-range height. |
| Zero-Turn Mower | 1.25 – 2.0 inches | Efficient for large yards; avoids scalping when properly adjusted. |
| Tractor-Mounted Reel Mower | 0.5 – 1.25 inches | Used for golf courses, sports fields, and fine turf areas. |
Adjusting Mowing Height by Season
Spring
Start the season with a lower cut – around 1.0 inch. This removes winter-damaged tissue and stimulates fresh growth. A spring “scalp” can be done carefully, but avoid cutting too low or removing all green material.
Summer
This is the active growing season for Common Bermuda, so maintain 1.0 to 1.5 inches for reel mowers and 1.5 to 2.0 inches for rotary. Frequent mowing (every 3–5 days) will be necessary during peak growth.
Fall
Gradually raise the mowing height by 0.5 inches as temperatures drop. The slightly higher height helps protect the grass from early cold stress and maintains healthier roots before dormancy.
Winter
Bermuda goes dormant in winter. Once brown, mowing is no longer necessary except for occasional cleanup cuts.
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How Often Should You Mow Common Bermuda?
A good rule of thumb is to follow the one-third rule: never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. Since Bermuda grows quickly in warm weather, mowing frequency will vary throughout the year.
General Mowing Frequency
- Peak summer: Every 3–5 days
- Late spring to early fall: Every 5–7 days
- Early spring and late fall: Every 7–14 days
- Winter: Minimal or no mowing
Frequent mowing encourages density and prevents shock from removing too much leaf tissue in one cut.
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Tips for Maintaining Proper Mowing Height
1. Keep blades sharp
Dull mower blades tear the grass, leading to brown tips, stress, and disease vulnerability. Sharpen blades at least 2–3 times per growing season.
2. Avoid cutting wet grass
Wet blades bend, resulting in an uneven cut and increased clumping.
3. Alternate mowing patterns
Changing direction helps prevent ruts, compaction, and grain.
4. Do not bag clippings unless necessary
Clippings return nutrients to the soil and decompose quickly on Bermuda grass, as long as they are not excessive.
5. Use the right mower for your height goal
Reel mowers are better for lower, high-quality cuts. Rotary mowers are fine for homeowners maintaining 1.5–2.0 inches.
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Common Mowing Mistakes to Avoid
Scalping
Cutting too low exposes stems, creates bare patches, and invites weeds. This is often caused by uneven soil, dull blades, or setting the mower lower than recommended.
Inconsistent mowing
Letting Bermuda grow too tall before cutting leads to shock and uneven regrowth. Staying on schedule is critical.
Poor mower maintenance
A poorly tuned mower or unlevel deck causes inconsistent mowing heights, damaging the lawn.
Benefits of Correct Mowing Height for Common Bermuda
Maintaining Common Bermuda at its ideal height delivers several long-term benefits:
- Increases turf density
- Improves weed resistance
- Enhances drought tolerance
- Promotes stronger root systems
- Improves lawn color and appearance
- Reduces thatch buildup with proper maintenance
Correct mowing height is one of the foundational steps to a thick, uniform Bermuda lawn.
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FAQs
What is the correct height to cut Bermuda grass?
The correct mowing height for Bermuda grass is typically 1.0 to 2.0 inches, depending on your mower type. Reel mowers can maintain a lower cut around 0.75–1.25 inches, while rotary mowers perform best at 1.25–2.0 inches to avoid scalping and promote healthy, dense growth.
What is the 1/3 rule for Bermuda?
The 1/3 rule means you should never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing. Following this rule prevents stress, reduces scalping, and encourages a stronger, healthier Bermuda lawn that recovers quickly.
Does Bermuda like to be cut short?
Yes, Bermuda grass thrives when cut short, but not scalped. It performs best between 1.0 and 1.5 inches for an attractive, dense lawn. Cutting too low, below 0.75 inches, can damage the turf, while consistently cutting within the recommended range encourages vigorous lateral growth.
What happens if Bermuda grass gets too tall?
If Bermuda grass grows too tall, it becomes thin, puffy, and prone to scalping when finally mowed. Tall growth weakens the turf, reduces density, increases thatch, and allows weeds to invade because Bermuda performs best under frequent, low mowing.
How do I make my Bermuda grass thicker and greener?
To make Bermuda grass thicker and greener, mow consistently at the proper height, fertilize during the growing season, water deeply but infrequently, aerate compacted soil, and ensure full sun exposure. Regular mowing at the right height encourages horizontal growth, which naturally thickens the turf.
When to stop cutting Bermuda?
You can stop cutting Bermuda grass when it enters winter dormancy, typically when temperatures drop consistently below 60°F (15°C). Once the grass turns brown and stops growing, mowing is unnecessary until spring green-up.
Final words
Maintaining the right mowing height for Common Bermuda grass is essential for keeping your lawn vibrant, dense, and resilient. The optimal range of 1.0 to 2.0 inches varies depending on the mower type and season, but staying within this range promotes healthy growth and minimizes common lawn problems.
Combine proper mowing height with sharp blades, consistent mowing frequency, and good lawn-care practices to enjoy a beautiful Bermuda lawn all year long.
