Quick Summary: Mow New Orleans lawns every 5 to 7 days during the peak growing season from April through September. Reduce to every 10 to 14 days as growth slows in fall, and mow only as needed through winter when warm-season grasses go semi-dormant. Never remove more than one-third of the blade in a single cut. Mowing heights by grass type: St. Augustine 3 to 4 inches, Bermuda 1 to 2 inches, Zoysia 1.5 to 2.5 inches, Centipede 1 to 2 inches. Most New Orleans homeowners schedule 20 to 26 cuts per year across an active mowing season that runs from March through early December.
Last Updated: May 2026
New Orleans has one of the longest mowing seasons in the country. Warm temperatures, high humidity, and regular rainfall from April through October push warm-season grasses into aggressive growth cycles that punish homeowners who skip a week. The flip side is that mowing too short during summer heat stresses the grass just as badly as neglect. Big Easy Sod follows LSU AgCenter guidelines on every install, and this guide covers the schedule, the heights, and the rules that keep New Orleans lawns looking right all year.
How often should you mow in New Orleans during peak season?
During the peak growing season from April through September, most New Orleans lawns need mowing every 5 to 7 days. Bermuda grass in full sun during July can require cuts as frequently as every 4 to 5 days if growth conditions are ideal. St. Augustine, Zoysia, and Centipede typically fall in the 7-day range during peak months.
The rule that governs frequency is the one-third rule: never remove more than one-third of the blade length in a single cut. If you are maintaining St. Augustine grass at 3.5 inches and let it reach 5 inches, cutting it back to 3.5 inches removes more than one-third of the blade and stresses the plant. Stick to the schedule and the math stays in your favor.
When does the mowing season start and end in New Orleans?
The mowing season in New Orleans typically runs from March through early December — roughly 9 months of the year. Most homeowners log 20 to 26 total cuts per season. The schedule breaks down like this:
March: Begin mowing as grass breaks dormancy and starts active growth. Once every 10 to 14 days is usually sufficient in early spring.
April through September: Weekly or near-weekly mowing. This is the period when missing a cut creates visible problems. Bermuda in particular grows fast enough that two missed weeks can leave a lawn looking overgrown.
October and November: Growth slows as temperatures drop. Reduce to every 10 to 14 days. This is also when fungal pressure from brown patch disease increases, and mowing at the correct height helps reduce humidity at the soil surface.
December through February: Most warm-season grasses slow significantly or go semi-dormant. Mow only as needed, which may be once a month or less depending on conditions and the previous fall’s growth.
What height should you mow each grass type in New Orleans?
Mowing height is not one-size-fits-all in New Orleans. Each warm-season grass has an optimal range, and cutting outside that range reduces density, increases weed pressure, and stresses the root system.
St. Augustine grass: Maintain at 3 to 4 inches during the growing season. This is the tallest recommended height of any common New Orleans lawn grass. The taller canopy shades the soil, retains moisture, and suppresses weed germination — critical advantages in Louisiana’s summer heat. Drop to 2.5 inches in cooler months to allow more sunlight to reach the crown and reduce fungal risk.
Bermuda grass: Keep between 1 and 2 inches year-round. Bermuda tolerates and prefers a low cut. Letting Bermuda grow taller than 2.5 inches produces a stemmy, thatchy surface and reduces density. This is the grass most likely to need cutting every 5 days during summer.
Zoysia grass: Maintain between 1.5 and 2.5 inches. Zoysia is slower-growing than Bermuda, which means less frequent mowing, but it does not tolerate scalping. Stay in the middle of its range and avoid cutting below 1.5 inches.
Centipede grass: Keep between 1 and 2 inches. Centipede is the lowest-maintenance grass in terms of both mowing frequency and fertilization, but it does not tolerate being cut short. Scalping Centipede opens the canopy to weed invasion and is one of the primary causes of Centipede lawn failure.
Should you mow differently in summer to protect your lawn from heat?
Yes, with one exception. For St. Augustine, leaving the grass at the taller end of its range (3.5 to 4 inches) during July and August provides measurable heat protection. The taller canopy shades the root zone, reduces soil moisture evaporation, and keeps the crown cooler. For Bermuda, which prefers a short cut, there is less room to adjust — keep it in its normal 1 to 2 inch range and ensure it is getting adequate water rather than raising the cut height.
Avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day in summer. Mowing in early morning when the grass is dry but temperatures are lower reduces immediate heat stress on freshly cut blades.
What mowing mistakes do New Orleans homeowners most commonly make?
The most common mistake is cutting too short on a single pass after the lawn got ahead of schedule. Scalping — removing more than one-third of the blade at once — shocks the plant, exposes the soil to direct sun, and opens the door to weed germination. If the lawn is overgrown, bring it back to the correct height over two or three cuts spaced a few days apart.
The second most common mistake is mowing wet grass. New Orleans gets an average of 62 inches of rainfall per year, and mowing after a rain results in uneven cuts, clumping, soil compaction from heavy equipment on saturated ground, and increased fungal disease risk. Wait until the grass surface is dry before mowing.
The third mistake is ignoring blade sharpness. A dull mower blade tears the grass rather than cutting it cleanly. Torn blades are more susceptible to fungal infection and turn brown at the tips within a day or two. Sharpen mower blades at least twice per season in New Orleans.
Regular mowing is one piece of a complete lawn maintenance program. Combined with proper fertilization timing and the right watering schedule, consistent mowing keeps warm-season grass dense, green, and resistant to weeds. If your current lawn has thinned out or developed bare patches despite good maintenance, patchy lawn repair may be the right next step.
Frequently Asked Questions: Mowing a New Orleans Lawn
How many times per year should you mow a lawn in New Orleans?
Most New Orleans homeowners mow 20 to 26 times per year across a mowing season that runs from March through early December. During peak growing months from April through September, weekly cuts are typical for St. Augustine, Zoysia, and Centipede. Bermuda may need cuts every 5 days during July and August.
What is the correct mowing height for St. Augustine grass in New Orleans?
Maintain St. Augustine grass at 3 to 4 inches during the growing season, dropping to 2.5 inches in cooler months. The taller summer height protects the root zone from heat stress, retains soil moisture, and suppresses weed germination. Never scalp St. Augustine below 2 inches.
Is it bad to mow wet grass in New Orleans?
Yes. Mowing wet grass produces uneven cuts, causes clippings to clump rather than disperse, compacts saturated soil under mower weight, and increases the risk of fungal disease including brown patch. Wait until the grass surface has dried before mowing, even if that means adjusting your schedule after New Orleans’ frequent afternoon storms.
Should you leave grass clippings on the lawn in New Orleans?
Yes, in most cases. Grass clippings return nitrogen to the soil and decompose quickly in New Orleans’ heat and humidity. The exception is when the lawn has a brown patch or other active fungal infection — in that case, bag and remove clippings to avoid spreading fungal spores across the lawn.
Why does my New Orleans lawn look brown after mowing?
Brown tips after mowing are usually caused by a dull mower blade that tears rather than cuts the grass. Torn blade tips dry out and turn brown within 24 to 48 hours. Sharpen your mower blade and the problem resolves on the next cut. Brown patches in larger areas after mowing may indicate scalping — cutting the lawn below the crown and exposing the stem.
If your lawn needs a fresh start, get a free assessment from Big Easy Sod. We install the right grass for your yard conditions and give you a complete maintenance plan from day one.