When the heat of a Wisconsin summer kicks into high gear, everyone wants a low-maintenance yard. It’s tempting to lower the deck on the lawnmower, cut the grass extra short, and think, “Great, now I won’t have to mow again for a couple of weeks.”
We get the logic! But in reality, giving your lawn a “buzzcut” in July or August is one of the quickest ways to damage it.
At Garbers & Sons, we change how we cut lawns depending on the season. Here is the secret to summer mowing, and why raising that mower deck is the best thing you can do for your turf right now.
1. Tall Grass Shades the Soil (Your Natural Umbrella)
Think of every single blade of grass as a tiny solar panel. When grass is cut too short, the soil loses its protective canopy. The harsh summer sun beats directly down on the dirt, baking it dry and evaporating every drop of moisture.
When you leave the grass a little taller—around 3.5 to 4 inches—the blades create a natural shield. This shade keeps the soil significantly cooler, locks in moisture, and helps your lawn stay green longer into a heatwave without turning into a crunchy brown desert.
2. Deeper Blades Mean Deeper Roots
There is a direct rule of thumb in lawn care: as above, so below. The height of your grass mirrors the depth of its roots.
When you consistently scalp your lawn short, the plant panics. It pours all of its energy into growing new blades to survive, completely neglecting its roots. Short grass equals shallow, weak roots. Taller grass allows the root system to dig deep into the Chippewa Valley clay, finding water hidden far underground where shallow roots can’t reach.
3. Taller Grass Naturally Fights Weeds
Want fewer dandelions, crabgrass, and clover without relying on chemical treatments? Raise your deck.
Weed seeds need direct sunlight and warm soil to germinate and take over your yard. A thick, lush lawn cut at 4 inches completely blocks out the light those seeds need to sprout. It literally chokes out the weeds before they can even get started.
4. Scalped Grass Invites Heat Shock
When you hack off more than one-third of the grass blade at a time, it severely stresses the plant. In the spring, grass can bounce back quickly because it’s raining and cool. In the dead of summer? It can put the lawn into shock. Stressed grass stops growing, loses its color, and becomes a prime target for lawn diseases and pests.
The Garbers & Sons Summer Standard
There is a reason our commercial and residential properties look so crisp and green all summer long. We don’t just spin blades—we manage turf health. During the hottest months of the year, we keep our decks up to protect your investment.
If you’re doing your own weekend mowing, do your yard a favor: click that mower adjustment lever up a notch or two. Your lawn will thank you with deeper roots, fewer weeds, and a vibrant green color that lasts all summer.