The Best Lawn Mowing Schedule for Texas Homes

Texas's extreme heat, varying soil types, and long growing seasons create unique challenges for lawn mowing. Whether you have Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine, or Buffalo grass, maintaining a consistent mowing schedule is essential for a healthy, attractive lawn.

This guide covers Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine, and Buffalo grass types, clay soil compaction and its impact on mowing, mowing height by region, best mowing cycles, and a seasonal mowing guide for Texas homeowners.

Texas's Most Common Grass Types

Texas lawns typically use warm-season grasses, with regional variations:

1. Bermuda Grass

Thrives in heat, fast-growing, drought-resistant.

2. Zoysia Grass

Dense and carpet-like, handles heat well.

3. St. Augustine Grass

VERY common in Texas, especially in Houston and coastal areas. Shade tolerant, heat tolerant.

4. Buffalo Grass

Native to Texas, drought-resistant, low-maintenance.

Clay Soil Compaction and Impact on Mowing

Texas's heavy clay soil (especially in North and Central Texas) 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

Mowing Height by Region

Texas's diverse climate means mowing heights vary by region:

• Bermuda: 1–2 inches (all regions)
• Zoysia: 1.5–2.5 inches (all regions)
• St. Augustine: 2.5–4 inches (coastal and eastern Texas)
• Buffalo: 2–3 inches (West Texas and drought-prone areas)

In extreme heat, raise mowing height slightly to protect roots.

Ideal Mowing Schedule by Season

SPRING (March–May)

Grass begins growing quickly.

• Bermuda: Every 7–10 days
• Zoysia: Every 7–10 days
• St. Augustine: Every 7–10 days
• Buffalo: Every 10–14 days

SUMMER (June–September)

Peak growth season — weekly mowing required.

• Bermuda: Every 5–7 days
• Zoysia: Every 7 days
• St. Augustine: Every 5–7 days
• Buffalo: Every 10–14 days

FALL (September–November)

Growth slows, but still active — biweekly mowing.

• Bermuda: Every 10–14 days
• Zoysia: Every 10 days
• St. Augustine: Every 10–14 days
• Buffalo: Every 14 days

WINTER (December–February)

Dormancy for warm-season grasses.

• Bermuda & Zoysia: As needed
• St. Augustine: As needed
• Buffalo: Occasional trims

Best Mowing Cycles

For Texas lawns:

• Weekly mowing in summer is essential
• Never cut more than ⅓ of the blade at once
• Mow in early morning or late evening to avoid heat stress
• Keep mower blades sharp to prevent tearing
• Vary mowing direction to prevent ruts in clay soil

Why Weekly Mowing Matters in Texas

Skipping mowing causes:

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

Texas's extreme heat and humidity make consistent cutting essential for lawn health.

Get Professional Mowing in Texas

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