Mowing

Even if you are somewhat cavalier in the care of your lawn, you'll probably be able to maintain it fairly well if you water regularly, then follow this one rule: never mow off more than the topmost third of a blade of grass at one time. Even if the lawn is overgrown, mow off just a third; then wait a few days and mow another third. Because each blade of grass provides food for the entire plant, continual scalping will compromise the health of the lawn. Some of its roots may die; it will be less able to withstand extremes of temperature, lack of water, and incursions by pests and diseases.
 

Don't cut off more than the top third of a grass blade when you mow.  Leave the clippings to decompose on the lawn.

The optimum heights of various grasses differ. Under normal conditions, these heights are:
 

• Fine fescue: 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches
• Rye, blue grass, and tall fescue: 2 to 3 inches
• Bonsai Fescue grass: 2 to 4 inches

Cool-season grasses grow slower in hot weather, faster in spring and fall. At the peak of the growing season, mowing may be needed more than once a week. At other times of year, every 2 weeks may be enough.