The Best Lawn Mowing Schedule for Arkansas Homes

Arkansas's diverse climate and clay soil create unique challenges for lawn mowing. Whether you have cool-season Fescue or warm-season Bermuda and Zoysia, maintaining a consistent mowing schedule is essential for a healthy, attractive lawn.

This guide covers cool vs warm-season Arkansas grasses (Fescue, Bermuda, Zoysia), best mowing heights, weekly mowing in summer, seasonal mowing calendar, clay soil & mowing issues, and rainfall-related mowing tips.

Arkansas's Most Common Grass Types

Arkansas lawns typically use a mix of cool-season and warm-season grasses:

1. Fescue (Cool-Season)

Common in Northwest Arkansas. Thrives in cooler temperatures, shade tolerant.

2. Bermuda Grass (Warm-Season)

Thrives in heat, fast-growing, drought-resistant. Common throughout Arkansas.

3. Zoysia Grass (Warm-Season)

Dense and carpet-like, handles heat well. Popular in Arkansas.

Ideal Mowing Schedule by Season

SPRING (March–May)

Growth surge — grass begins growing quickly.

• Fescue: Every 5–7 days
• Bermuda: Every 7–10 days
• Zoysia: Every 7–10 days

SUMMER (June–August)

Peak growth season — weekly mowing required.

• Fescue: Every 7–10 days (slower growth in heat)
• Bermuda: Every 5–7 days
• Zoysia: Every 5–7 days

Most Arkansas lawns require mowing every 5–7 days during summer.

FALL (September–November)

Slow taper — growth slows, but still active.

• Fescue: Every 5–7 days
• Bermuda: Every 10–14 days
• Zoysia: Every 10–14 days

WINTER (December–February)

Occasional trimming — dormancy for warm-season grasses.

• Fescue: Occasional light mowing
• Bermuda & Zoysia: As needed

Best Mowing Heights

• Fescue: 2.5–3.5 inches
• Bermuda: 1–2 inches
• Zoysia: 1.5–2.5 inches

Never cut more than ⅓ of the blade at once.

Clay Soil & Mowing Issues

Arkansas's clay soil presents unique challenges:

• Clay compacts easily, especially when wet
• Compacted soil reduces root growth
• Mowing wet clay can create ruts and damage
• Heavy mowers compact clay more than lighter ones
• Clay holds water, making it harder to mow when saturated

Best practices for mowing on clay soil:

• Avoid mowing when soil is wet
• Use lighter mowers when possible
• Aerate regularly to reduce compaction
• Mow at proper height to encourage deep roots
• Wait for soil to dry after heavy rains

Rainfall-Related Mowing Tips

Arkansas's frequent rainfall affects mowing:

• Wait for grass to dry after heavy rains
• Mowing wet grass can cause clumping and damage
• Wet conditions increase risk of spreading disease
• Adjust mowing schedule based on rainfall patterns
• Remove clippings when mowing wet grass

Why Weekly Mowing Matters in Arkansas

Skipping mowing causes:

• Thatch buildup
• Brown patches
• Weeds
• Fungus outbreaks
• Scalping

Arkansas's humidity and frequent rainfall make consistent cutting essential for lawn health.

Get Professional Mowing in Arkansas

If you want consistent, clean mowing, Yard Maintenance connects you with reliable Arkansas mowing professionals.