Last Updated on February 21, 2026 by D. Ruddy
Is your grass getting a little too long, almost like a small jungle? If you’re new to lawn care, figuring out how to mow very tall grass without killing the lawn can seem tricky. You might worry about damaging your mower or making the grass look worse.
But don’t fret! It’s totally doable with a few simple steps. We’ll walk you through it so you can get your lawn back in shape.
Let’s see how to make this happen the easy way.
Key Takeaways
- You can successfully mow tall grass by using the right mower settings and techniques.
- Cutting tall grass in stages prevents stressing your mower and your lawn.
- Different mower types require different approaches when dealing with overgrown grass.
- Proper blade maintenance is essential for clean cuts and a healthy lawn.
- Timing your mowing sessions correctly helps the grass recover.
- Using the mulching function can help break down clippings for faster decomposition.
Preparing Your Mower for Tall Grass
Tackling overgrown grass is much easier when your mower is ready. Think of it like getting your tools prepared before starting a big project. A sharp blade cuts through thick grass cleanly, preventing tearing.
This tearing can make the grass look messy and weak, inviting diseases. A dull blade also strains your mower’s engine, making it work harder than it needs to. So, before you even think about starting the engine, make sure your mower’s blade is sharp.
If it looks dull or nicked, it’s time to get it sharpened or replaced. This small step makes a huge difference in how well your mower handles tall grass and how healthy your lawn stays.
Blade Sharpening and Balance
A sharp mower blade is crucial for a good cut. When a blade is sharp, it slices through grass like a knife through butter. This clean cut allows the grass blade to heal quickly, reducing stress.
On the other hand, a dull blade tears the grass. This tearing leaves jagged edges that can turn brown, making your lawn look unhealthy. It also makes it easier for pests and diseases to attack the weakened grass.
Most lawnmower blades need sharpening at least once a year, or more often if you mow a lot or hit rocks. You can sharpen it yourself with a file or grinder, or take it to a professional. After sharpening, it’s important to balance the blade.
An unbalanced blade can cause vibrations that damage the mower’s engine and deck. Most sharpening kits come with a balancer. Make sure the blade spins freely and evenly on the balancer.
Deck Height Adjustment
When dealing with very tall grass, your mower’s deck height is your best friend. You never want to try and cut down a jungle to a manicured lawn in one go. That’s a recipe for disaster.
Instead, you’ll use the deck height to gradually lower the grass. Start by setting your mower’s deck to its highest setting. This lets you remove just the top portion of the tall grass without overwhelming the mower.
Imagine trimming a very long branch; you wouldn’t try to cut it all at once with a small saw. You’d make a few smaller cuts. Similarly, with tall grass, you make a few passes, lowering the deck a little each time.
This gradual approach protects your mower’s engine and prevents the grass from getting choked.
Checking Oil and Fuel
Your mower’s engine needs to be in good shape to handle tough jobs. Tall grass puts a lot of strain on the engine. So, before you start, check the oil level.
Low oil can cause serious engine damage, especially under stress. Make sure the oil is at the recommended level. Also, check your fuel.
You don’t want to run out of gas halfway through the job. Use fresh fuel, as old gas can cause starting problems and reduce engine performance. A well-maintained engine is more likely to get through the task without overheating or stalling.
Taking these simple maintenance steps ensures your mower is ready for the challenge and can do the job efficiently.
The Step-by-Step Mowing Process
Now that your mower is ready, let’s get to the actual mowing. Cutting tall grass isn’t like your usual lawn care. You need a different strategy to avoid bogging down your mower and damaging your lawn.
The key is patience and taking it slow. We’ll break down exactly what to do, step by step, to make sure your lawn looks great afterwards and stays healthy. Follow these steps, and you’ll be amazed at how manageable this task can be.
First Pass: High and Slow
The very first step when mowing extremely tall grass is to set your mower deck to its highest possible setting. This is super important. You are not trying to get your lawn to its desired height in this first go.
Instead, you’re just taking off the very top part of the grass. Think of it as the initial trim. You should also move slower than you normally would.
Pushing the mower too fast will clog the deck and make the engine work too hard. Let the mower do its job at its own pace. This first pass removes the bulk of the height without stressing the grass or the machine.
Subsequent Passes: Gradually Lowering the Deck
After your first pass at the highest setting, your grass will still be quite tall, but much more manageable. Now, you’ll lower the deck slightly. Don’t go all the way down to your usual cutting height just yet.
Lower it by one or two notches, depending on your mower’s settings. Make another pass, again moving slowly. The goal is to remove only about one-third of the remaining grass height with each pass.
If you try to cut too much grass at once, you can tear it, choke the mower, or leave clumps of clippings everywhere. Repeating this process of slowly lowering the deck and making another pass is the safest way to get your grass to the desired length.
Dealing with Clumps and Discharge
One of the biggest issues when mowing tall grass is the amount of clippings. If your mower can’t handle the volume, it will spit out large clumps. These clumps can smother the grass underneath, blocking sunlight and air.
This can cause the grass to rot. To avoid this, you have a few options. First, continue making passes, lowering the deck gradually.
This helps break up the clippings more. Second, if your mower has a mulching option, engage it. Mulching cuts the clippings into smaller pieces, which decompose faster.
Third, consider bagging the clippings. This removes them from the lawn entirely. For very tall grass, you might even want to consider raking up any large clumps that are left behind after mowing.
Mowing Direction and Overlap
When you’re making multiple passes, the direction you mow matters for a clean look. After each pass, change your mowing direction. For example, if you mowed north-south on the first pass, try mowing east-west on the next.
This helps lift the grass blades evenly and prevents the mower wheels from creating permanent lines in the lawn. Also, make sure you overlap each pass by a little bit. This means the edge of the strip you just mowed should overlap with the strip you are about to mow.
This overlap ensures you don’t miss any spots and creates a uniform appearance across the entire lawn. It helps achieve that professional-looking finish.
Mower Types and Their Suitability for Tall Grass
Not all mowers are created equal when it comes to handling overgrown lawns. Some are built for this kind of heavy lifting, while others might struggle. Understanding your mower type will help you know what to expect and how to adjust your approach.
Whether you have a standard push mower, a riding mower, or even a more specialized tool, there are ways to make it work effectively. We’ll look at the common types and what makes them better or worse for tackling tall, thick grass.
Rotary Mowers (Push and Riding)
Most homeowners use rotary mowers, either push models or riding mowers. These mowers have a blade that spins horizontally. For tall grass, these mowers can work, but they need to be used carefully.
A powerful engine and a sharp blade are key. When the grass is very tall, these mowers can sometimes get bogged down. This happens when the engine can’t spin the blade fast enough because the grass is too dense.
You must remember to use the high deck setting and make multiple passes. Riding mowers often have more power, so they might handle slightly taller grass than a push mower, but the same principles apply: go slow, set high, and cut in stages.
Reel Mowers
Reel mowers work differently. They have a cylinder of blades that spins against a stationary blade, creating a scissor-like action. This method cuts grass very cleanly.
However, reel mowers are typically designed for shorter grass and can struggle with very tall or thick growth. If your grass is just a little bit overgrown, a reel mower might be fine if you set it to its highest setting. But for grass that has grown significantly, a reel mower is often not the best tool.
The blades can get jammed, and the cutting action is not as effective on dense, tall stalks. It’s generally better to use a rotary mower for seriously overgrown lawns.
Robotic Mowers
Robotic mowers are designed for regular, light mowing. They maintain a lawn by cutting small amounts frequently. Because of this, they are not ideal for dealing with grass that has already grown very tall.
A robotic mower will likely struggle or get stuck if it encounters extremely long grass. It’s like asking a small robot to clear a forest. If your grass has reached this point, you’ll need to use a more powerful, traditional mower to bring it back to a manageable height first.
Once the grass is shorter, the robotic mower can then take over its routine maintenance.
Using a String Trimmer for Edges and Obstacles
While your mower handles the main lawn, don’t forget the edges and areas around obstacles. Tall grass can easily hide things and make these spots look messy. A string trimmer, also known as a weed eater, is perfect for these jobs.
For very tall grass, you might need to make multiple passes with the trimmer, just like with the mower. Start with a higher head position and gradually lower it. This helps prevent the trimmer line from getting tangled or snapping.
Work your way around fences, trees, and garden beds to create a clean finish. It makes the whole lawn look much tidier.
Tips for a Healthy Lawn After Mowing Tall Grass
Mowing tall grass can be tough on your lawn. It’s important to help it recover afterwards. Just like after a big effort, your lawn needs some care to get back to its best.
These tips will help your grass bounce back strong and healthy, preventing issues that can arise from such a heavy mowing session. Think of it as a recovery plan for your turf.
Watering the Lawn
After a major mowing session, especially in dry weather, your lawn will need water. Watering helps the grass blades recover from the stress of being cut. It also helps any remaining clippings break down.
Water deeply but less frequently. This encourages the grass roots to grow deeper into the soil, making the lawn more resilient. Avoid watering in the evening, as this can promote fungal diseases.
Early morning is the best time to water your lawn.
Fertilizing (When Appropriate)
Fertilizing can help your lawn recover and grow thicker. However, timing is key. If you’ve just mowed extremely tall grass, your lawn might already be stressed.
It’s often best to wait a few days or a week after mowing before applying fertilizer. This gives the grass a chance to recover from the mowing itself. Use a balanced fertilizer suitable for your grass type.
Follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging carefully to avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the lawn.
Aeration and Dethatching
If your lawn has a lot of thatch, which is a layer of dead grass and organic matter, mowing tall grass can make it worse. Thatch can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the soil. Aerating your lawn, which involves poking small holes in the soil, helps improve air and water circulation.
Dethatching removes the excess thatch layer. These processes are best done when the grass is actively growing. They can significantly improve the health of your lawn, especially after it has undergone stress from being overgrown.
Monitor for Pests and Diseases
Tall, dense grass can sometimes attract pests or create conditions for diseases to spread. After mowing, keep an eye on your lawn for any signs of trouble. Look for discolored patches, wilting grass, or insect activity.
Early detection is important. If you notice any issues, address them promptly. There are many lawn care products available to help manage pests and diseases.
Sometimes, simply improving lawn care practices like proper watering and mowing can help prevent these problems.
A Quick Look at Cutting Height Recommendations
Different types of grass prefer different cutting heights. Mowing too short can damage the grass and invite weeds. Mowing too tall can make it prone to disease and pests.
Here’s a general guide for common grass types.
| Grass Type | Ideal Cutting Height (inches) | Reason for Height |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Bluegrass | 2.5 – 3.5 | Helps shade out weeds, promotes deeper roots. |
| Fescue (Tall & Fine) | 2.5 – 3.5 | Tolerates higher mowing, which helps it withstand heat and drought. |
| Perennial Ryegrass | 1.5 – 2.5 | Can be mowed shorter, but higher is still often better. |
| Bermuda Grass | 0.5 – 1.5 | A warm-season grass that prefers shorter mowing. |
| Zoysia Grass | 1 – 2 | Another warm-season grass that does well at moderate heights. |
Remember, the “one-third rule” is always important: never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing. This is especially true when you are tackling tall grass. Adapting your mowing height based on the grass type and the current condition of your lawn is key to a healthy, beautiful yard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Can I mow my grass after it rains?
Answer: It’s generally not a good idea to mow wet grass. Wet grass clumps together, making it hard for your mower to cut evenly and can clog the deck. It also puts more strain on your mower’s engine and can lead to a less clean cut, potentially harming your lawn’s health.
Question: How often should I mow my lawn?
Answer: The frequency of mowing depends on the grass type, season, and weather. During the growing season, you might need to mow once a week. In slower growth periods, you can mow less often.
Always follow the one-third rule, cutting no more than one-third of the grass blade height at each mowing.
Question: What if my mower is struggling to cut the tall grass?
Answer: If your mower is struggling, stop immediately. Check if the blade is sharp and if there are any obstructions. Ensure the deck height is set to its highest setting.
You may need to make more passes, lowering the deck gradually, or consider bagging the clippings if you’re leaving large clumps.
Question: Will mowing tall grass make my lawn weaker?
Answer: Mowing very tall grass can stress your lawn if not done correctly. However, by following a step-by-step approach, using the highest deck setting first, and gradually lowering it over multiple passes, you can minimize stress and help your lawn recover. Proper aftercare like watering is also important.
Question: How can I prevent grass from getting too tall in the first place?
Answer: Regular mowing is the best way to prevent grass from getting too tall. Stick to a consistent mowing schedule, especially during the peak growing seasons. This means mowing at least once a week, or even more often if your grass grows quickly.
Keeping up with it prevents the need for drastic measures later on.
Summary
Taming overgrown grass is a common lawn care task. By understanding how to mow very tall grass without killing the lawn, you can avoid mower damage and lawn stress. Remember to prepare your mower with sharp blades and the right settings.
Mow in stages, starting high and lowering the deck gradually with multiple passes. Take care of your lawn afterwards with proper watering and monitoring. You’ve got this!
