How Often You Should Mow the Lawn in Summer

June 4, 2025, 4:05 am | Read time: 4 minutes

In summer, the lawnmower hums–but how often should it really be used? Two experts offer recommendations that show: Mowing less can not only help insects but also protect the soil. However, those who value a perfectly trimmed lawn should maintain a clear schedule.

Whether wild and blooming or neatly trimmed–opinions differ when it comes to lawns. While some prefer a colorful bee pasture, others focus on a well-maintained overall appearance. Ultimately, the choice is up to each garden owner. Two experts provide specific tips on myHOMEBOOK on how often to mow the lawn in summer–either for more biodiversity or a trimmed area.

Mow Less for More Nature in the Garden

If you aim for an ecologically valuable garden, you should cut the lawn as infrequently as possible in summer. “As rarely as possible,” is the recommendation from the German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND). According to BUND, the first cut should ideally occur only when the grass reaches a height of 20 centimeters–using the highest available cutting height of the mower. This way, numerous flowering plants are preserved.

An additional tip: staggered mowing of individual areas. This allows insects to escape in time, and part of the area remains in bloom. Islands or border strips with plenty of flowering vegetation are particularly suitable.

Even if certain garden areas are used more intensively, they can be mowed more frequently. It is important to remove the cut grass afterward to avoid over-fertilization from too many nutrients.

If the lawn is mowed less frequently, more wild herbs like clover, daisies, or dandelions will grow. These plants are an essential food source for wild bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Additionally, dense grass growth serves as a protected habitat for animals like hedgehogs, garden dormice, or amphibians.

Moreover, flowering areas and taller grass promote the settlement of beneficial organisms in the garden. Besides birds, ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps help maintain a natural balance by keeping pests like aphids and slugs in check.

Another advantage of meadows with tall growth: They retain moisture better and thus prevent soil from drying out. This reduces the need for watering, keeps the soil moist longer, and improves soil quality–an ideal habitat for earthworms, springtails, and woodlice.

For a Well-Maintained Lawn in Summer, Mow Regularly

On the other hand, if you prefer a neatly maintained lawn in the garden, frequent mowing is unavoidable. “The frequency of mowing depends mainly on two factors: usage and cutting height,” explains Dr. Harald Nonn from the German Lawn Society upon myHOMEBOOK’s request.

“If the lawn is used as a sports and play area, lounging area, or as a design element in a garden, then mowing to a cutting height of three to four centimeters is recommended,” the expert explains. “This allows for the desired use and promotes resilient grasses. Taller grasses or herbs limit usage.”

Typically, this results in a weekly cut during the growing season. Dr. Nonn refers to the so-called one-third rule. This rule states that no more than one-third, or at most half, of the grass height should be removed per cut. “This leaves enough green leaves for photosynthesis.”

If you use your lawn only minimally, you can also work with a lower cutting interval, according to Nonn: “If you use a green area only slightly, you can also mow it less frequently.” Incidentally, Dr. Nonn also advocates for a mix of lawn and flowering areas. “A combination of such areas, lawn and meadow, enhances gardens and is beneficial for both human and animal garden users,” the expert adds.

Anja Würfl

Flower Meadow or English Lawn?

“How often to mow in summer largely depends on the desired appearance and usage. Those who want to promote a lively natural garden let the grass grow, supporting biodiversity and soil quality. For a well-maintained green, however, regular cutting is necessary. Ultimately, each garden owner decides what is more important to them.”

With material from dpa

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of MYHOMEBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@myhomebook.de.