Oregon Lawn Mowing Guide: How Often and Why
Summary
In Oregon, especially around Portland, your lawn needs mowing once a week during the growing season (spring through early fall), and every 10–14 days in cooler months. If that sounds like a lot, it is. Maintaining a healthy, clean-cut lawn in the Pacific Northwest takes consistent attention and the right timing. If you're feeling overwhelmed, our services like weekly mowing and edging can help keep things simple, fast, and stress-free.
Table of Contents
1. How Oregon’s Climate Affects Lawn Mowing
Portland’s mild, rainy climate is perfect for fast-growing cool-season grasses like perennial ryegrass, fescue, and bluegrass. But that also means your grass can grow 2 to 6 inches in a week during peak growing season (March–October).
Dry summers slow growth, but regular watering and occasional rain still lead to steady height gain that needs trimming.
2. How Often Should You Mow Your Lawn in Oregon?
3. Portland Lawn Mowing Schedule (Season by Season)
Spring:
Rapid growth and rain = weekly mowing. Mow high to encourage root growth and crowd out weeds.
Summer:
Growth slows, but a healthy irrigated lawn will still need attention weekly or biweekly. Mow in the morning or evening to prevent heat stress.
Fall:
Still active! Continue regular mowing until grass goes dormant. Keep leaves from piling up.
Winter:
Growth slows, but grass may still grow in sunny or wet areas. Mow only when dry to avoid damaging your turf.
4. What Is the 1/3 Rule in Mowing?
The 1/3 Rule means you should never cut more than ⅓ of your grass height at a time. This protects the plant’s root system and reduces shock. If your lawn gets too long, raise the blade and mow twice over several days.
✂️ For example:
If your lawn is 3 inches tall, only cut off 1 inch.
5. Should You Mow Weekly or Biweekly?
6. How Long Should You Wait Between Mows?
It depends on the growth rate and blade height:
If your lawn grows fast (1–2 inches/week) ➝ mow every 5–7 days
If growth is slow or dormant ➝ every 2–3 weeks is fine
After fertilizing or rain ➝ mow sooner than usual
⛔ Don't let grass get too tall—cutting it back all at once stresses the roots and invites disease.
7. Why It Pays to Hire a Mowing Pro
Maintaining a healthy lawn in Oregon isn’t as simple as firing up a mower on the weekend. Consider:
Wet soil issues: You need to mow dry grass to avoid rutting and clumping
Proper blade height: Most people mow too short, stressing the turf
Consistency: Skipping just one week can undo weeks of care
Time-saving: One mow = 1 hour. Weekly = 4+ hours/month
📞 Let the experts at AM Landscaping Care handle it for you.
Explore our reliable Mowing & Edging Service or sign up for Weekly Lawn Maintenance.
8. FAQs
What is the 1/3 rule in mowing?
Only remove 1/3 of the total blade height at a time to avoid stressing your lawn.
Is it better to mow weekly or biweekly?
Weekly is best during peak growing months. Biweekly can work in the fall and winter.
How long to wait in between mows?
5–10 days, depending on growth. Fast-growing lawns may need mowing every 5 days.
When should you not mow your lawn?
Avoid mowing when it’s wet, frozen, or over 90°F — this can damage your turf.
9. Key Takeaways
Oregon lawns grow fast, especially in spring and fall.
Weekly mowing keeps grass healthy, prevents weeds, and looks sharp.
The 1/3 Rule is the golden rule: never cut too much at once.
Seasonal care matters; adjust mowing to the time of year.
Don’t burn out doing it yourself; our professional mowing service is fast, affordable, and fully Portland-savvy.
Ready to Stop Mowing and Start Enjoying Your Yard?
Let’s be honest, keeping up with Oregon’s fast-growing grass is a chore. Why spend your weekends behind a mower when A.M. Landscaping Care can keep your lawn looking sharp year-round?
We offer:
🌱 Weekly & Biweekly Mowing Plans
✂️ Precision Mowing & Edging
🧼 Full-Service Yard Maintenance
📞 Call (503) 710-8882 or
📩 Send us a message for a free quote or recommendations
Let us handle the mowing. So you can enjoy the lawn!
