Setting the Right Cutting Height for Your Lawn in the New Year

The start of a new year is a good time to reset not only routines, but also lawn care habits. Before regular mowing begins again, it’s worth taking a moment to think about one key factor that directly affects turf health and appearance: cutting height.

Using the correct height with your California Trimmer Reel Mower can make a noticeable difference in how your lawn grows, looks, and recovers throughout the season. At Shields Reels in Charlotte and Lake Norman, this is one of the most common topics we discuss with homeowners at the beginning of the year.

Why Cutting Height Matters

Cutting height is more than a visual preference. It plays a major role in how your grass responds to stress, sunlight, and growth cycles.

What Happens When Height Is Too Low

• Grass becomes stressed and weak

• Roots struggle to develop properly

• Lawns are more vulnerable to heat, drought, and disease
  

What Happens at the Right Height

• Stronger root systems

• More even growth

• Better color and density

• Improved resistance to seasonal stress

A reel mower gives you precision, but that precision only works when height is set correctly.

Understanding Your Grass Type

In North Carolina, most lawns around Charlotte and Lake Norman are planted with Bermuda or Zoysia grass. Both respond well to reel mowing, but each has slightly different needs.

Bermuda Grass

• Thrives at lower cutting heights

• Benefits from frequent mowing

• Performs best with small, consistent adjustments
  

Zoysia Grass

• Tolerates slightly higher heights

• Grows more slowly than Bermuda

• Responds well to clean, even cuts

Knowing what type of grass you have helps you avoid guesswork and unnecessary stress on your lawn.

Seasonal Height Adjustments

Cutting height should not stay the same all year. Adjusting it with the seasons keeps your lawn healthier and more resilient.

Early Season

As growth begins, start slightly higher. This helps grass recover from winter dormancy and encourages strong root development.

Mid-Season

Once growth is steady, you can gradually lower the height if desired. Avoid drastic changes and adjust in small increments.

Late Season

As growth slows, raise the height again to protect the lawn and prepare it for dormancy.

How to Adjust Your California Trimmer

One of the advantages of a California Trimmer is precise height control.

• Make adjustments evenly on both sides

• Measure carefully to avoid uneven cuts

• Test on a small section before mowing the entire lawn

If you are unsure where to start, Shields Reels can help you dial in the correct setting based on your lawn and mowing habits.

Common Height-Related Mistakes

Even experienced homeowners make these mistakes:

• Lowering height too quickly

• Mowing infrequently at very low settings

• Ignoring seasonal changes

• Adjusting height without checking both sides

Avoiding these habits helps keep your lawn consistent and reduces long-term damage.

Final Thoughts

Setting the right cutting height is one of the simplest ways to improve lawn health in the new year. With thoughtful adjustments and a reliable reel mower, you can create a routine that supports steady growth and a clean, professional look.

At Shields Reels, we help homeowners take the guesswork out of reel mowing. If you’re starting the year with new lawn goals, visit us in Charlotte or Lake Norman for guidance, demos, and expert advice tailored to your turf.