Understanding Lawn Burn in Dallas Summers
Lawn burn is a common problem for Dallas homeowners during the sweltering summer months. The intense sun, soaring temperatures, and infrequent rainfall can turn a vibrant green lawn into a scorched, brown patchwork in a matter of days.
What causes lawn burn?
Most often, it’s a result of improper mowing techniques, particularly cutting the grass too short. When turfgrass is mowed too low, it loses its natural defense against the sun, heat, and moisture evaporation. This leads to:
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Dry, brittle blades
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Shallow root systems
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Increased vulnerability to disease and pests
To maintain a lush and resilient lawn, understanding the proper mowing height is essential—especially in a region like Dallas where summer heat is relentless.
Why Mower Height Matters During Hot Weather
Your mower’s blade height directly impacts your lawn’s health. Cutting your grass too low (also known as “scalping”) can stress the turf, expose soil to direct sunlight, and dry out the root zone.
Benefits of Keeping Grass Taller in Summer:
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Shields soil from extreme heat: Taller blades provide shade for the soil, reducing water evaporation.
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Promotes deeper roots: Longer grass supports healthier and deeper root systems.
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Blocks weed growth: Taller grass outcompetes weeds by blocking sunlight from reaching their seeds.
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Improves moisture retention: Helps maintain consistent hydration during drought-prone months.
For Dallas homeowners looking to avoid the dreaded lawn burn, adjusting mower height is a simple yet powerful step in summer lawn care.
Recommended Mower Heights for Dallas Grass Types
Dallas lawns typically consist of warm-season grasses. Each type has an ideal mowing height range that helps maximize its tolerance to heat and drought.
1. Bermudagrass
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Ideal Mowing Height: 1.5″ – 2.5″
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Notes: Common in Dallas; grows quickly and tolerates short mowing, but raise the height slightly in summer.
2. St. Augustinegrass
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Ideal Mowing Height: 2.5″ – 4″
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Notes: Requires higher mowing to stay healthy; very sensitive to being cut too short.
3. Zoysiagrass
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Ideal Mowing Height: 1.5″ – 2.5″
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Notes: Dense and slow-growing; handles heat well but thrives when kept slightly taller.
4. Buffalograss
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Ideal Mowing Height: 2″ – 3″
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Notes: Native to Texas; drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
Pro Tip: Always check your mower’s blade height settings. Use a ruler to measure from the ground to the blade if unsure.
How Often Should You Mow in the Dallas Heat?
Frequency matters just as much as height. Mowing too often—or not often enough—can stress your lawn and worsen damage from heat.
General Summer Mowing Frequency:
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Bermudagrass: Every 5–7 days
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St. Augustinegrass: Every 7–10 days
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Zoysiagrass: Every 7–10 days
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Buffalograss: Every 10–14 days
Factors That Affect Mowing Schedule:
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Rainfall and irrigation levels
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Soil type and fertility
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Recent growth rate
Always mow based on growth, not the calendar. If your grass hasn’t grown significantly, delay mowing to avoid unnecessary stress.
The 1/3 Rule: A Golden Guideline for Summer Lawn Health
No matter the grass type, always follow the 1/3 Rule: Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade height in a single mowing.
Why This Rule Matters:
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Prevents root shock
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Maintains blade surface for photosynthesis
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Reduces vulnerability to heat and drought
For example, if your grass is 3 inches tall, never cut it below 2 inches. This simple rule prevents scalping and supports a resilient lawn.
Avoid These Common Mowing Mistakes
1. Mowing with Dull Blades
Dull mower blades tear rather than cut, leaving grass susceptible to disease and browning.
2. Mowing During the Hottest Part of the Day
Early morning or evening mowing prevents additional heat stress.
3. Leaving Clippings in Thick Clumps
While mulching clippings can be beneficial, thick piles can suffocate grass. Spread them out evenly.
4. Ignoring Lawn Stress Signs
Wilting blades, grayish tint, or slow recovery after foot traffic are signs your lawn needs a break from mowing or more hydration.
5. Bagging All the Time
Grass clippings return nutrients to the soil. Use a mulching mower when possible.
Additional Summer Lawn Care Tips for Dallas Homes
Proper mowing is just one component of a healthy lawn. Combine it with these tips for even better results:
Watering
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Water early in the morning, 2–3 times per week
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Aim for 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall
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Avoid shallow watering, which leads to shallow roots
Fertilizing
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Use slow-release nitrogen fertilizer in early summer
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Avoid over-fertilizing, which can burn grass in high heat
Aeration
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Aerate once per year to improve oxygen and water penetration
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Summer aeration is only advised if the lawn is actively growing and well-watered
Pest Control
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Monitor for chinch bugs, grubs, and fungal diseases
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Spot treat with eco-friendly or professional solutions
How Granulawn Keeps Dallas Lawns Burn-Free
At Granulawn, we understand the science and strategy behind healthy summer lawns. Our professional lawn maintenance services are tailored for Dallas’s unique climate and soil conditions.
What We Offer:
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Precision Mowing: Customized mower height settings based on grass type and time of year
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Burn Prevention Plans: Adjustments during heat waves or drought conditions
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Summer Maintenance Packages: Includes mowing, fertilization, edging, and weed control
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Expert Technicians: Trained in warm-season turfgrass care and mowing best practices
Our services take the guesswork out of lawn care so you can enjoy a green, thriving yard all summer long—without risking lawn burn or overexerting yourself.
Busy schedule? We offer flexible appointments for first-time homeowners, families, and HOA communities.
Mow Smart, Stay Green
Dallas summers are no joke when it comes to lawn care. Between the scorching sun and reduced rainfall, your turf needs all the help it can get. One of the most impactful actions you can take? Adjust your mower height.
By following proper mowing practices—setting the right height for your grass type, following the 1/3 rule, and mowing at appropriate intervals—you protect your lawn from heat stress and enhance its long-term health.
And if the summer heat makes yard work unbearable or time is tight, don’t go it alone. Granulawn’s expert lawn maintenance services provide peace of mind and professional results.