Exmark's Backyard Life

Living Happens Outdoors

Search

How to Create a Dedicated Backyard Game Space

by Exmark

What separates a good backyard gathering from a great one? Sure, food matters. And of course, the company. But more often than not, there’s something else going on—a game. A little friendly competition. A reason everyone wants to stick around just a little bit longer. From cornhole and bocce to games like Kubb, the right setup can turn a simple yard into the center of every get-together. So, tune into this episode of Done-In-A-Weekend Projects, as Doug Scott of Redeem Your Ground breaks down the most common considerations for designing and building a versatile backyard game space. And, learn how to set up and play your next favorite yard game: Kubb.

Learn how to play Kubb: Download

Choosing the Right Location for Your Backyard Game Space

Location is the decision that makes or breaks everything else. Get it right, and your game space invites people in without saying a word. Get it wrong, and it becomes just another stretch of grass in your yard.

Flat Ground

Most yard games simply don’t work on a slope. A slight grade might be manageable, but a steep hill guarantees way more chasing than playing. Before you commit to a spot, walk it and trust your feet. If something feels off, keep on looking.

Sun and Shade

An east-west-facing space can become miserable during peak playtime on a summer afternoon. Ideally, your game area gets natural shade from trees or a nearby structure between 2 and 6 p.m.—the hours when the heat is at its worst and the games are usually at their best. Not every yard can pull this off, and that’s okay. As Doug points out, work with what you’ve got, and let the lighting and seating compensate for what the shade can’t.

Size It Right

Kubb only requires a 16 by 26-foot footprint, making it one of the most space-efficient options out there. If you want room for larger games like cornhole, a casual game of catch, or a little backyard football, aim for a 40 by 60-foot area. Even if you’re starting small, knowing the ceiling helps you plan for what’s next.

Distance, Flow, and Hazards

Your game space should sit close enough to the house that nobody’s making a long trek for a drink or a bathroom break—but far enough that a late-night game doesn’t carry into any bedrooms (or your neighbor’s peace and quiet).

Also pay attention to where people naturally congregate in your yard. Your space should feel like a natural extension of that, not an afterthought shoved into a back corner. When the placement is right, it does the inviting for you. And before you finalize anything, watch for overhead utility lines, exposed tree roots, and fences that could cut the fun short.

What Is Kubb?

Kubb is a Scandinavian lawn game with roots often linked to Viking-era traditions in Sweden, where it’s still widely played today. Sometimes referred to as “Viking chess,” the game is played on a rectangular field between two teams, each taking turns throwing wooden batons to knock down their opponent’s wooden blocks, called kubbs.

Once all field kubbs are knocked down, players aim for the central “king” to win the game. Kubb has grown in popularity as a backyard game because it’s easy to learn, highly social, and adaptable to different yard sizes and surfaces, making it an ideal choice for casual gatherings and outdoor game spaces.

Learn how to play Kubb: Download

Seating: Make it Comfortable for Players and Fans

What’s a sport without fans? Giving spectators a comfortable place to hang out improves the experience for everyone—and keeps the energy going between rounds.

Flexible seating options to consider:

  • Adirondack chairs with a side table. A cluster of two or three chairs gives you a movable conversation spot that adapts to wherever the shade is or where guests want to settle. Just orient them so the sun is behind your spectators during prime playing hours—nobody wants to watch a Kubb match while squinting into the afternoon glare.
  • Built-in benches. For a more permanent setup, a simple L- or U-shaped bench along the perimeter is hard to beat. It frames the space, doubles as a border, and can be topped with cushions for comfort.
  • Picnic table. Positioned just outside the playing area, a picnic table pulls triple duty: seating, a surface for food and drinks, and a natural gathering point between games.
  • Fire pit circle. Just outside the perimeter, a fire pit with surrounding seating serves double duty. It’s the perfect pre- and post-game hangout, and a spot for the crowd to pull in when the weather cools. The fire pit extends your space’s usable hours into fall the same way good lighting extends them into the night.

Storage: The Secret to a Spontaneous Game

Any game space is only as good as its organization—and the real key is accessibility. If your Kubb set is stuffed in a bag under the porch, the game just doesn’t happen spontaneously. But when everything is right there, ready to go? Game on.

Storage ideas:

  • 40-gallon outdoor storage bench. If your space is more laid-back, this is hard to beat. It’s practical, it keeps everything right where you need it, and the lid doubles as extra seating. A Kubb set, bocce balls, and a lawn darts set all fit with room to spare.
  • Storage that matches your style. If your backyard has a more defined look, choose storage that fits it. A cedar box on casters, a weatherproof cabinet, or a custom-built bin locker can all do the job while looking the part.
  • Pegboard and hooks on a shed wall. Before adding anything new, look at what you already have. Some pegboard, wall hooks, or a few shelves can create free storage out of thin air—especially useful for long-handled equipment like croquet mallets or nets. A small awning or overhang keeps it weatherproofed.

The common thread with all of these: proximity. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s close enough to your game space to actually be convenient.

Lighting: Extend the Fun into the Night

Good lighting is what separates a space that’s useless after sundown from one that keeps the energy going all night. Even a simple string of lights or a few solar lanterns around the perimeter can make a huge difference.

Whatever you choose, keep two things in mind: keep the light warm, and keep it out of players’ eyes. If you go with string lights overhead, make sure they’re at least 10 feet up and won’t interfere with the games being played below.

A simple layered approach works:

  • Warm string lights overhead at 10 feet or higher
  • Solar lanterns around the perimeter to define the space
  • A lit path connecting the game area back to the main patio

That last one matters more than you might think. It’s a safety feature, yes—but it’s also an invitation. A lit path that leads from the patio to the game space says, “something’s happening over there.” Get that right, and the space is just as inviting after dark as it is at high noon.

Landscaping: Turn a Patch of Grass Into an Outdoor Room

Landscaping is what takes the space from “a patch of grass with some game equipment” to an actual outdoor room. The goal here is framing the space—not filling it.

What to plant:

  • Low shrubs or ornamental grasses along the sides. Plant them well outside the playing area. They define the space, add a little privacy, and frame the action without blocking sightlines.
  • Edging and borders. Natural stone, timber borders, pavers, or bricks give the court a clean, defined edge that tells everyone exactly where the play space begins and ends. It’s a small detail with a big visual payoff.
  • Shade trees at the perimeter. If your site needs shade that doesn’t exist yet, planting a tree at the southwest corner is a long-term investment worth considering. It won’t help you this summer or next, but it might be the best decision you make for every summer after.
  • Rain garden or dry creek bed (if drainage is a concern). Both are functional and attractive, and they help keep the play surface from becoming muddy and washed out after a heavy rain.

Two things to avoid:

  • Mulch adjacent to the playing surface. It migrates. Give it a hard border or keep it further back.
  • Thorny shrubs along the perimeter. Trust this one. You don’t want a ball—or a guest—rolling into a rose bush.

You Don’t Have to Do It All at Once

This is probably the most important point of all: plan for the full vision from the start, but build it over time as you get a feel for how you actually use the space. Start with the location and the flat ground. Add seating, storage, layer in the lighting, and let the landscaping grow.

The best backyard game spaces aren’t built in a single weekend—they’re dialed in over a few seasons. Each addition makes the space more inviting, more functional, and more yours.

Once you’ve built it? There’s only one thing left to do: Play on.

Frequently Asked Questions About Building a Backyard Game Space

Kubb—one of the most versatile and popular yard games—only requires a 16 by 26-foot footprint, making it one of the most space-efficient options available. If you want to accommodate larger games like cornhole or a casual game of catch, plan for at least 40 by 60 feet. Even in a smaller yard, you can build a functional game space—you may just need to be intentional about which games you prioritize.

A level, well-maintained lawn is the most versatile and popular surface for yard games. Short, dense turf plays well for nearly every game type. Avoid mulch, loose gravel, or heavily sloped areas—these create uneven play surfaces, cause balls to roll unpredictably, and generally lead to more frustration than fun. If drainage is a recurring issue in your yard, consider incorporating a rain garden or dry creek bed at the perimeter to keep the playing surface from getting muddy after rain.

The best game space isn’t designed around a single game—it’s a platform for many. Cornhole, bocce, croquet, lawn darts, and casual games of catch or football all play well in the same space with minimal adjustment. The goal is to build the stage; the games are just the show.

Regular cutting with an Exmark mower at the right height keeps the playing surface consistent and clean. During active growing seasons, maintaining a shorter cut promotes a dense, even turf that plays well for yard games. Clear debris before play, address any drainage issues before they create low spots, and edge around any border materials to keep the playing area defined. A little proactive maintenance goes a long way toward keeping the space ready to go whenever the mood strikes.

More Like This:

Seasonal Yard Maintenance Checklist

by Exmark

If you’re a homeowner who loves your lawn but feels like you’re always playing catchup, you’re not alone. Between mowing, weeding, feeding, pruning, work, travel, and everything else life throws your way, it’s hard to stay ahead. But what if there’s a better way? That’s where a strategic approach to seasonal yard maintenance comes in, so you can keep your lawn healthy and weekends free.

So, follow along in this episode of Done-In-A-Weekend Projects as host Doug Scott and Exmark ambassador, lawn care expert, and MLF bass pro Brian Latimer break down a proactive maintenance plan that works around your life.

Download the checklist.

Why Seasonal Backyard Maintenance Matters

Most homeowners approach yard work as a week-to-week battle. You mow when the grass is tall, prune when things are overgrown, and constantly react to any problems that might pop up. But a proactive approach ensures your lawn has what it needs before it needs it.

Spring: Setting the Pace

Spring is where you set the foundation for the rest of the year. If you do the right things at the right time, everything else gets easier. Focusing on these key tasks will help you stay ahead.

  • Mower Maintenance: Before beginning your cutting journey, make sure to inspect tire pressure, belts, and oil—and sharpen or replace blades, as needed.
  • Mowing Height: When grass is actively growing in the spring, drop your mower deck about half an inch lower than your normal summer cutting height. This encourages a thick, healthy, weed-free canopy. Remember the Golden Rule: never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. Gradually work your way down to your desired height to avoid shocking your lawn.
  • Pre-emergent Application: Apply pre-emergent herbicide before soil temperatures hit 55°F to stop weeds before they have a chance to germinate.
  • Fertilization: Warm-season lawns need a light early feeding. Cool-season lawns should be fertilized at this time if you didn’t get to it in the fall.
  • Pruning and Cleanup: Handle seasonal pruning for summer-flowering shrubs and ornamental grasses. Remove winter debris, broken branches, and damaged plants from beds. But don’t prune spring bloomers until after they’ve finished flowering.
  • Mulch Refresh: A fresh layer of mulch or pine straw gives beds a clean look and helps retain moisture as temperatures rise.

Summer: Protecting Your Investment

Summer is when your spring plan pays off. If you put the right work in early enough in the year, this season is all about protecting and maintaining what you built.

  • Raise Mowing Height: Raise your deck back up to the higher end of your grass type’s recommended range. For cool-season grasses, that’s between 2½ to 4 inches. Warm-season grasses stay between 1 and 2 inches. This extra length shades the soil, helping your lawn withstand summer heat and drought.
  • Water Deeply: Deep watering encourages strong root development. If you don’t have an irrigation system up and running, water one to two times per week, adjusting based on rainfall. If Mother Nature does the work, you (or your irrigation system) can take the day off.
  • Spot-treat Weeds: Address weeds immediately with post-emergent treatments, but avoid application during bouts of extreme heat.
  • Monitor for Stress: Keep an eye out for heat stress, disease, and fungal patches. Catching these problems early prevents bigger headaches later.
  • Gardening: Stay on top of garden beds by pulling weeds early, checking for pests, and refreshing flowers or vegetables as needed. Summer heat can quickly wipe out weaker plants, so focus on consistent watering, deadheading blooms, and keeping beds clean to prevent disease.
  • Pruning: Light pruning in summer helps keep shrubs and plants under control, but avoid heavy trimming during extreme heat. Focus on removing dead or damaged branches, shaping fast-growing plants, and trimming back anything blocking airflow—better airflow helps reduce disease and fungal issues.

Fall: The Fix-it Season

Many homeowners think that fall signals the end of their lawn care road, but it’s one of the most important seasons for backyard maintenance. If summer beats up your lawn, this is where you heal it.

  • Cool-season Lawns: This is prime growing time. Increase your cutting frequency until growth stops. Dethatch, aerate, and overseed to repair thin or damaged areas. And, make sure to hit your lawn with fertilizer focused on root development.
  • Warm-season Lawns: Maintain your summer cutting height, then lower the final cut (right before full dormancy) by half an inch. And feed lightly before your lawn goes to sleep.
  • Bed Reset: Remove old annuals, cut back perennials as needed, add compost, and plant bulbs that will bloom in spring. Water trees and shrubs the day before a hard freeze to help them through winter.
  • Leaf and Weed Management: Mulch or bag leaves to prevent them from smothering your lawn. Apply pre-emergent for winter weeds to stay ahead of the game.

Winter: Set Yourself Up to Win

When the lawn goes dormant, smart homeowners get ahead. Winter is your opportunity to prepare for success next year.

  • Equipment Care: Winterize your mower, unless you’re in a warmer climate. Fully clean it, change out oil, spark plugs, and air filters. Add fuel stabilizer, slightly relieve tire pressure, and cover with a tarp. Also take time to prep and store other lawn and garden equipment. Care for your tools now, and they’ll care for you in the spring.
  • Major Pruning: Remove dead, damaged, and hazardous branches, and perform major pruning for structure and health on dormant trees and shrubs.
  • Planning: Review the past year’s performance, evaluate what worked and what didn’t. Note problem areas and plan layout changes or additions. Order seed, fertilizer, and materials for next year.

Your Year-Round Maintenance Blueprint

A seasonal backyard maintenance plan is all about doing the right work, at the right time, so your lawn is on your schedule. With a proactive approach, you’re never interrupted or losing time—which means you can spend even more time enjoying the best of the backyard life. So, start with spring, stay ahead, and watch your lawn thrive, all year long.

Just download this PDF checklist to enjoy an even greener backyard life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Seasonal Backyard Maintenance

Once or twice a week, deeply. You want roots growing down, not out. And if it rains, let nature do the work. There’s no need to run your irrigation system on a wet week.

Heat stress tends to look uniform, a general browning or blue-gray cast that bounces back with water. Disease and fungus show up in patches, rings, or unusual discoloration. Catch either one early and it’s manageable. Let it go, and you’ll be doing a lot more work in the fall.

While your lawn is resting, winterize your equipment, sharpen your tools, prune dormant trees and shrubs, and plan for the year ahead. Get organized now so you’re not scrambling when spring hits.

It’s one of the most important seasons of the year, especially if summer was rough on your lawn. Aerate, dethatch, overseed the thin spots, and feed for root development. The work you put in now is what your lawn shows off next spring.

More Like This:

Lawn Irrigation 101

by Exmark

The only thing better than a healthy lawn and garden? A healthy lawn and garden that’s given just the right amount of water at just the right time. All without having to lift a finger. Enter: smart lawn irrigation systems. Tune into this episode of Done-In-A-Weekend Projects as host Doug Scott teams up with irrigation expert Tom Tootle from Toro Irrigation to unpack the basics, and benefits, of everything irrigation. So you can keep your lawn green, and garden pristine, all season-long.

Why Lawn Irrigation Matters

Doug puts it simply: “If you’ve ever lived through a drought or maybe forgotten to water your lawn, you know just how much everything relies on water.” And, with all the countless hours and dollars you’ve put into perfecting your backyard spaces, forgetting a few days of watering can put your biggest home investment in serious peril.

Which is where an irrigation system comes into play. As Tom points out, because every living thing outside your home depends on water, it’s like insurance for your landscape. You’d protect every room in your home with an insurance policy. So, it’s just as wise to protect the biggest “room” of your home: your yard.

Irrigation System Breakdown

When people think “irrigation system,” they tend to think of underground pipes and sprinkler heads—which is half the truth. In fact, it all starts with a controller—or the “brains” of the operation—which uses low voltage wiring to direct a series of electrical valves and zones throughout your yard. This enables you to tailor your watering schedules based on the specific needs of different areas, such as wide-open patches of lawn or garden beds in ample shade.

And, those patches of lawn are typically kept watered by rotors, which rotate to cover large areas. Allowing you to cover your lawn with a minimal number of heads. Then, for smaller areas (like your gardens), sprinklers are used. You can adjust them to spray from one foot up to eight feet—meaning you never waste water.

For gardens that need a gentler touch? Drip irrigation (or similar low volume systems) deliver slow, steady water right at the base of the plants. Reducing evaporation and keeping foliage dry—a must for disease prevention.

Saving Nature… And Money

Irrigation systems aren’t all about convenience, they’re friendly for the environment (and your wallet). Today’s smart irrigation systems utilize sensors that detect rainfall, optimizing the schedules and water usage for each zone. As Tom puts it, “If Mother Nature does the work, your irrigation system takes the day off.”

Meaning, the system waters only when it needs to, saving water and cutting down on your utility bills. And, helping your lawn and garden thrive.

Upgrades, Maintenance, and Additional Considerations

If you already have an irrigation system in place, good news: many systems can be upgraded without having to rip everything out and starting over. To that point, Tom says it’s always best to have a professional service your system at least annually. They’ll check for leaks, re-calibrate rotors, and winterize systems in colder climates.

It’s also important to consider growth. If your system hasn’t been updated in a few years, you’ll find that plants or trees have grown to the point where zones need to be reprogrammed for optimal coverage.

Installation: DIY or Pro?

If you’re looking at installing a system of your own, Tom says it’s best to look to the professionals for help. Fortunately, the install process won’t make a big mess of your lawn. Thanks to today’s trenchers, the installation impact will be minimal.

But before Doug and Tom sign off, Tom parts with one final tip: schedule your install for when your lawn is in its peak growing phase. For warm-season grasses, that’s May through August. For cool-season grasses, that’s early spring or fall.

A modern irrigation system is one of the best investments you can make for your lawn, helping improve the health and beauty of your lawn and gardens. All while saving money, helping Mother Nature, and protecting the time and energy you’ve poured into your landscape in the process.

More Like This:

Common Lawn Weeds & What To Do About Them

by Exmark

Every backyard warrior knows how quickly a weed infestation can turn a dream yard into a nightmare. So how do you get ahead? Exmark pro ambassador, weed expert, and owner of Alabama Lawn Pros, Jason Creel, is on the weed-fighting case. Follow along in this episode of Done-In-A-Weekend Projects as Creel joins host Doug Scott to help homeowners better understand the common lawn weeds in their yard. So you can develop a prevention strategy that keeps them at bay and enjoy a weed-free backyard life.

Weed Control Basics

Before Doug and Jason dive into the wide world of weed control, there are a few pointers to consider first. Namely, as Jason says, weed control isn’t a one-and-done process. Across the country, or even across the road, every yard has its own mixed bag of weeds. So work and research are needed to ensure that you have the right product at the right amount—and at the right time.

And before you can even consider herbicides, you have to win the first half of the battle: identifying the weeds in your lawn.

Identifying Common Lawn Weeds

As you’ve probably guessed, not all weeds grow the same—which can make formulating your weed control approach slightly overwhelming. Thankfully, they fall into three categories, grassy weeds, broadleaf weeds, and sedges, making control slightly easier.

Crabgrass growing in a lawn
Crabgrass by pollyalida on Flickr

Grassy weeds, such as crabgrass and goosegrass, can be difficult to identify, as they boast long, flat, and pointed blades that look very much like those in your lawn. Unlike turfgrass, these weeds grow in clumps or bunches, have visible seedheads, hollow stems, and are slightly off-color from the surrounding lawn. They also grow both taller and more quickly than your lawn, giving you a slight advantage in the identification game.  

Dandelions growing in a lawn
Lawn covered in dandelion flowers by Mike Mozart on Flickr

Broadleaf weeds are easier to identify than their grassy counterparts, owing to their wide, flat (and broad) leaves. Their leaves are typically veiny as well, possessing one large vein that bisects the center of the leaf with countless smaller ones branching off it. These weeds also tend to sprout bright flowers and seedheads (dandelions and clover being two of the most common types) and grow a deep taproot that’s tough to root out.

Nutsedge growing in lawn
Nutsedge by Jkadavoor (Jee) on Flickr

Finally, sedges—like nutsedge—look a whole lot like turfgrasses and grassy weeds. That’s where a deeper look comes into play. Unlike grassy weeds, which have hollow stems and leaf nodes, sedges have solid, triangular stems.

The Life Cycle of Weeds

As Jason says, before you can start “spraying and praying” herbicide, you also have to first understand the life cycles of weeds found in your yard.

Some weeds, like common ragweed and spurge, are annuals. Meaning, they germinate, grow, and die all within a single season. Others, like oxalis and nutsedge, are perennials, returning year after year, requiring constant maintenance and vigilance to hold them at bay. And that’s not to mention biennial weeds, such as wild carrot and musk thistle, which have a two-year life cycle. They experience vegetative growth in the first, followed by flowering and seed production in the second, before finally dying.

Like the grass in your lawn, these three weed life cycles are further characterized by their seasonal growth cycles. Warm-season weeds germinate in the spring, thrive in the summer, and die off in the fall. Whereas cool-season weeds germinate in the fall, mature in the spring, and die in the scorching summer sun.

Herbicide Application and Timing

The various weed types and life cycles mean that weed control is way more than a one-and-done, or even twice a year, effort. It requires year-round strategy and application to effectively nip them in the bud.

It all starts with a pre-emergent herbicide application in both the spring and fall as the first line of defense. However, timing is key, as soil temperature dictates when seeds germinate, making it essential to monitor your local weather. Some varieties, like crabgrass, germinate when soil temperature hit 55º F. So, depending on your climate, an early spring (or even winter) application is a must.

While settling into a routine is nice, you can’t always stick to the same schedule you’ve followed in the past. The weather shifts every year, giving us cooler springs or warmer falls, so you need to adjust your application timing for the best results.

Even the best plan doesn’t keep 100% of weeds from slipping through—which is where post-emergents come in. Simply put, apply post-emergents whenever weeds rear their invasive heads. For even better results, Jason states you can mix pre- and post-emergents together to control existing weeds while fighting back against future ones.

As always, make sure to follow the instructions on your product label. Different products have different application and temperature restrictions, so it’s best to know everything before you get spraying.

Herbicide Selection

Unfortunately, there’s no one-product-prevents-all when it comes to weed control. Some weeds develop resistance to certain products through generational exposure, and others require different types of treatments. So rotating herbicides with different active ingredients is your best bet to ensuring long-term success.

Additional Weed Control Considerations

While herbicide use does a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to weed control, a healthy, thick lawn goes far. And part of that lawn health starts with mowing—a healthy lawn fights weeds more easily, so sharp blades and varied mowing patterns are a must.

Mowing frequency matters too: lawns cut weekly tend to have fewer weeds than those cut every other. If you let your grass grow too tall and cut off a large chunk to save time, you risk stressing and weakening your lawn. So, make sure to mow at the ideal height according to your grass type and stick to the “Golden Rule” if hopping on the mower after a long break.

At the end of the day, weed control boils down to three main points: identification, application, and consistency. If you follow these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to getting ahead of the spread or fighting back against a potential infestation. Oh, and enjoying a green and pristine backyard life, of course!

More Like This

How to Determine the Correct Lawn Mower Height Settings

by Exmark

One of the most highly debated lawn care topics is also one of the most important: determining the correct mowing height for your yard. Unfortunately, there are almost as many opinions and perspectives on this topic as there are grass blades in your lawn. Ask five homeowners what the correct answer is and you’ll wind up with six different opinions. But here’s the truth: finding the right lawn mower height settings isn’t a preference. It’s about grass type, season, and keeping your lawn healthy enough to fight off weeds, drought, and disease. So where do you begin? This episode of Done-In-A-Weekend Projects has you covered. Tune in as host Doug Scott explains how high—or low—you should mow this season.

Cool-season vs. Warm-season: What’s the Difference?

Before you break out your Exmark for your mow, a refresher on what grass type you have in your lawn goes far. In short, grass is broken down into two main categories: cool- and warm-season. And where you live determines what you have.

Cool-Season Grasses

Common cool-season grasses include:

  • Kentucky bluegrass
  • Tall fescue
  • Fine fescue
  • Perennial ryegrass

These grasses are most common in the northern U.S. (roughly the upper two-thirds of the country). They thrive in cooler temps and hit their stride in spring and fall.

Warm-Season Grasses

Common warm-season grasses include:

  • Bermuda
  • Zoysia
  • St. Augustine
  • Centipede

These grasses dominate in the southern U.S. and love heat. Summer is their peak growing season.

Transition Zone

And that’s not to mention the transitional zone. Bridging the cool- and warm-season zones, this area contains both types in abundance. To complicate matters even further, some homeowners in this zone can have both in one yard! So, it’s always best to know what you’re dealing with before you mow.

Benefits of Proper Mowing Height

As with nearly everything lawn and garden-related, lawn health is at the root of knowing the right cutting height. Grass blades cut at the correct height are better able to:

  • capture light
  • hold moisture
  • absorb nutrients
  • grow deeper, stronger roots

If you mow too low, you run the risk of your lawn being burned by the sun, resulting in weak roots and a potential weed infestation. Mowing too high increases the chance of excess moisture buildup, creating an environment for pests and disease to take hold.

The Golden Rule

The key to determining the right height is achieving balance. And part of that balance is found in the “Golden Rule” of mowing: never cutting more than one-third of a blade off at a time.

There’s nothing more tempting than cutting straight to the ideal height on your first mow of the year—but that does your lawn way more harm than good. Gradually lowering your deck mow by mow keeps the balance between the blades and roots in check. Preventing your lawn from going into shock—and keeping everything green and pristine.

Correct Lawn Mower Height Settings per Grass Type

With all that established, it’s time to cut to the chase: the ideal mowing height for each grass type.

Warm-Season Grass Height

Warm-season grasses are more heat-tolerant, built to thrive—and grow—in the hot southern sun. So, it’s best to drop your deck height close to its lowest setting, keeping it between one to two inches. The shorter cut promotes denser lawn growth and helps fight back against pesky weeds.

Cool-Season Grass Height

If you have a cool-season lawn, you’ll want to keep it between the two-and-a-half to four-inch range. These grasses are hardy and well-adapted to frigid winters—but aren’t as heat tolerant. The extra length shades the soil from the summer sun, retaining vital moisture to help it withstand potential droughts or prolonged heat waves.

Lawn Mower Height Settings by Season

While knowing the range goes far in helping your lawn, knowing how your mowing height changes with the season goes even further.

Spring

For the first cut of spring, lower your deck by half an inch from your normal summer cutting height. So, if you have a fescue lawn you keep at four inches during the summer, drop it to three-and-a-half for your first mow. This removes any winter-burned blades and encourages new growth. However, make sure to follow the Golden Rule and use multiple cutting sessions, if needed, to ensure the best results.

Summer

Throughout the summer, mow on the higher end of your specified range. This protects the soil from the summer heat, while retaining the moisture your lawn needs.

Fall

As fall rolls around, stay the course with your summer mowing routine (especially if you have a warm-season lawn). For those with cool-season grass, this is your yard’s prime growing time, so it’s best to up your mowing frequency.

Then, as you come up on your last session of the year, end your cutting season as you started: lowering the height by half an inch. This helps protect the roots from the harsh cold winter weather and doesn’t run the risk of snow mold taking hold.

Winter

Finally, as the winter chill sets in, it’s time to put your mower away. Most grasses go dormant during this period, so it’s the perfect time to kick back, relax, and enjoy the season.

Or, if you live in a warmer climate, you can continue to enjoy the thrill of mowing—and everything else the backyard life has to offer.

Find the Right Height and Stick With It

The right mower height settings aren’t complicated once you know your grass type and follow the one-third rule. Keep your mowing consistent, adjust with the seasons, and your lawn will stay healthier, thicker, and better equipped to fight off weeds. Because when your mowing height is right, everything else gets easier.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lawn Mower Height Settings

Mowing height directly impacts lawn health. Cutting grass at the correct height helps it:

  • Capture more sunlight
  • Retain soil moisture
  • Absorb nutrients efficiently
  • Develop deeper, stronger root systems
  • Resist weeds, drought, and disease

Improper mowing height can stress your lawn and lead to thinning, discoloration, and increased weed pressure.

Grass types fall into two main categories, and they’re found based on where you live.

Cool-Season Grasses

Common examples include:

  • Kentucky bluegrass
  • Tall fescue
  • Fine fescue
  • Perennial ryegrass

These grasses dominate the northern United States and grow most actively in spring and fall.

Warm-Season Grasses

Common examples include:

  • Bermuda
  • Zoysia
  • St. Augustine
  • Centipede

These grasses thrive in southern climates and peak during summer heat.

If you live in the transition zone (between northern and southern regions), you may have either—or even both—in the same yard.

Yes. Zero-turn mowers like the Lazer Z, Radius, and Quest from Exmark offer adjustable deck settings designed to maintain consistent cutting height across varying terrain.

More Like This:

Austin Dillon’s North Carolina Dream Yard

by Exmark

As a NASCAR star, Austin Dillon is constantly questioning the moves he makes—when to pit, what line to take, and everything needed to get his number 3 car across the finish line. So it really makes all the difference when he can come home, step on his mower, and only have to worry about how straight his stripes are. The chaos and stress of racing melt away, and he’s able to relax and enjoy the simple peace of mowing. (Oh, and the rest of his family’s 60-acre dream yard, of course.) So, follow along as we visit Dillon’s property in Thomasville, North Carolina, and see how the phenom unwinds when he’s not busy burning rubber.

Rest, Relaxation, and a Great Yard

Dillion says his backyard dreams came to fruition over the pandemic. He and his wife were in the market for a new place for their growing family—especially a spot to relax and enjoy nature. When they came across this location, they both immediately fell in love. And, the fact that it was owned by NASCAR champion Terry Labonte helped close the deal. The rest is history.

But now that the Dillions have been settled in for a few years, they’ve really made this place their own. One of Austin’s favorite places is the “barn,” his go-to spot for cooking out and relaxing alongside friends and family. Once the festivities are all said and done, the barn even has a spare bedroom for guests to retire to.

But that’s not all—the barn has plenty of space for all of Dillion’s cars (which he calls his “toys”). And, of course, it’s where his favorite toy of all lives, too: his Exmark Lazer Z X-Series!

Plenty of Family Fun

Outside of the barn, Dillon likes to kick it back with his wife and kids at their pool. He says this area of his yard is critical during the summer, especially following a sweltering mowing session. After he hops off his Exmark, there’s nothing better than cooling down in the pool alongside his family.

The family fun doesn’t stop there! His son, Ace, finds nearly endless hours of entertainment on their backyard playground. And, Austin’s wife, Whitney, has planted a rose garden for their daughter, Blaze, which has become her favorite spot on the property. Not only does it look (and smell) great, but it leaves a lasting legacy for their daughter to enjoy.

A Generational Outdoor Affair

When it comes to enjoying the outdoors, Dillion got started early. Both his father and grandfather had him outside from a young age—hunting, fishing, you name it. Which is why he loves his bass pond so much. He and Ace can get outside, relax, and spend the full day reeling in small bass.

Continuing the trend of passing on his affinity for everything outdoors, Dillon has a huge garden that’s a true labor of love. His goal is to be able to grow all the produce he’ll need without taking a trip to the store—and he has a great mentor teaching him the ropes. Most of all, he wants to be able to pass these outdoor traditions and practices down to his children, helping them live off their own land when they grow up.

Ultimately, Austin Dillon says that, for him, the outdoors has so much to offer. It lets him get away from the hustle and bustle of life and everyday stresses, and really lets him disconnect. And, the maintenance his property needs fills the same exact role. It’s a lot of work, but it’s incredibly fulfilling. (Especially when he’s able to come home to an immaculate lawn.)

Austin Dillon’s Hunting Camp

The Dillon dream yard isn’t just limited to Thomasville—he has an entire hunting camp, too. Austin Dillon can’t make it there too often, but when he does there’s plenty of work to be done. Which is where his second Exmark zero-turn comes in handy—helping him mow it all in record time. Without his mower, the upkeep of both of his properties would be almost impossible.

Best of all? When he mows, he’s able to find some valuable peace of mind—and even more time to get outside and have fun with his family.

A Partnership Built on Speed

For the last four years, Austin Dillon has partnered with Team Exmark, and he couldn’t be happier. Even better, his son loves just about any- and everything with a motor, and his Lazer Z helps scratch that itch. As soon as he sees Austin start cleaning the mower, he wants in on the fun.

Austin’s yard is incredibly important to him, and there’s nothing quite like coming home to a crisp, clean lawn. The only way to maintain a yard like that, he says, is with his Exmark. And there’s no better lawn mower suited for the task. He’s able to cut a lot of grass, in not a lot of time, and get back to enjoying the best of the backyard life. We couldn’t agree more!

More Like This:

Trending