In short
- St. Augustine: 3 inches, 4 inches in summer.
- Bermuda: 1 to 1½ inches. Zoysia: 2 inches. Buffalograss: 4 to 5 inches.
- Don't cut off more than 35 to 40 percent of the blade at once.
- While it's growing, St. Augustine needs mowing every 5 to 6 days.
Mowing height by grass
| Grass | Mowing height | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| St. Augustine (Raleigh) | 3 in, 4 in in summer | The most common locally; prone to chinch bugs and brown patch |
| St. Augustine (Floratam) | 3 in, 4 in in summer | The most drought-tolerant St. Augustine; less cold-hardy |
| Bermuda | 1 to 1½ in | Needs full sun; gets thicker with frequent mowing |
| Zoysia | 2 in | Handles some shade; some varieties grow slowly |
| Buffalograss | 4 to 5 in | Native and low-water; doesn't handle foot traffic |
Why mow higher in summer
AgriLife Extension in Bexar County notes that mowing higher during drought helps the grass grow deeper roots that use water better. For St. Augustine, that means going from 3 to 4 inches in summer.
How often to mow
It depends on the grass and the season. AgriLife Extension in Bexar County recommends mowing St. Augustine every 5 to 6 days while it's actively growing, so weekly service fits most yards in spring and summer. Every other week can work in slower months or for slower-growing grass.
For a healthy lawn, AgriLife also says not to remove more than 35 to 40 percent of the leaf blade in one mowing, which usually means mowing at least once a week while the grass is growing. Mowing too seldom also lets thatch build up.
Related guides
- Brown St. Augustine in summer: drought or chinch bugs?
- SAWS watering rules: your day and hours by stage
Sources
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Bexar County, “Lawn Grasses”
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, “Chinch Bugs in St. Augustine Lawns (E-420)” (Merchant and Mott, 2006)
Checked Oct 18, 2026. Water rules and dates can change: always confirm with the source.