Short answer: Most Southern California lawns do well with a mow about once a week while the grass is growing fast, usually from spring through early fall. When growth slows in cooler months, every two weeks is often enough. Let the grass, not the calendar, set the schedule.
Follow the one-third rule
Never cut off more than about a third of the blade height in one mow. Cutting too much at once stresses the grass and leaves a brown, scalped look. If the lawn has grown tall, mow it in two stages a few days apart.
Mow at the right height for your grass
Different grasses like different heights. As a rough guide, Bermuda and similar fine-bladed grasses are kept shorter, around 1 to 2 inches, while tall fescue and St. Augustine are kept taller, around 2.5 to 3.5 inches. Taller grass shades the soil, holds moisture and crowds out weeds. If you are not sure what grass you have, we can tell you when we see it.
Keep the blades sharp
Dull blades tear grass instead of cutting it, which leaves ragged, whitish tips. Sharp blades give a cleaner cut and a healthier lawn.
Edge and trim as part of every visit
A mowed lawn with clean edges along walks, driveways and beds looks finished. Trimming around trees, fences and borders is where most of the detail lies.
Water deeply, not often
Deep, less frequent watering encourages deeper roots. Water early in the morning, and follow the rules and rebates from your local water agency, which can change during dry periods.
Leave the clippings when you can
Short clippings break down quickly and return nutrients to the soil. Bag or remove them if the grass is very long, wet or full of weeds.
This is general guidance. Every yard is different. If you would like us to look at yours, call us or send a request.