The Best Way to Cut Overgrown Grass: A Complete Guide

Overgrown grass can be an eyesore and a nuisance. Not only does it look unkempt, but it can also attract pests cause safety hazards and lead to fines in some neighborhoods. Thankfully, with the right tools and techniques, you can cut overgrown grass and restore your lawn’s beauty. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about cutting overgrown grass the right way.

Why Does Grass Get Overgrown?

Before we get into the solutions, let’s first understand what causes grass to become overgrown in the first place Here are some of the most common reasons

• Neglect: The #1 reason grass gets too tall is simply because it hasn’t been mowed in a long time. Going on vacation, being too busy, or even just forgetting to mow can quickly lead to an overgrown lawn.

• Fast-growing grass types: Certain grass varieties like St. Augustine and Bermuda grass grow much faster than others. If you have one of these grasses, it requires more frequent mowing to keep it in check.

• Fertilization: Applying too much nitrogen fertilizer can cause grass to grow at an excessive rate. Use fertilizer judiciously to avoid overgrowth.

• Excessive rain or watering: Frequent rainfall or overwatering provides ideal conditions for fast grass growth. Reduce watering if growth becomes excessive.

• Warm season: Grass grows quicker in summer’s heat. Expect to mow more frequently in hotter months.

Dangers of Overgrown Grass

Before mowing, it’s important to understand the hazards of overgrown grass:

• Pests: Long grass allows insects and rodents to easily hide. Ticks, mosquitoes, mice, and snakes love overgrown lawns.

• Allergies: Tall grass can bloom and release pollen, exacerbating allergies.

• Safety issues: Long grass obscures objects and holes that can cause injury. It’s also a fire hazard.

• Ordinance violations: Many neighborhoods prohibit grass over a certain height and issue fines.

• Lawn damage: Excessive growth without mowing can damage the health of the grass long-term.

For these reasons, it’s best to promptly deal with overgrown grass.

5 Best Ways to Cut Overgrown Grass

Now let’s get into the techniques and tools you can use to tackle excessively long grass and restore your lawn:

1. String Trimmer

A string trimmer (also called a weed wacker or weed eater) is the quickest and most effective way to cut overgrown grass. The high-speed rotating string easily cuts through thick grass. For large yards, a gas-powered string trimmer is ideal, but electric and cordless models also work well.

How to use: Hold the string trimmer at an angle just above the grass and sweep it side to side to cut the long blades down to size. Go over small sections at a time, taking off only 1/3 of the blade length per pass to prevent lawn damage.

2. Lawn Mower

Once the grass is cut down to a manageable level using a trimmer, you can use a standard push or riding lawn mower to complete the job. Set the mower blades to their highest setting for the first few passes over the long grass. Lower the blade height incrementally with each pass until you reach the desired length.

How to use: Mow in rows, slowly going back and forth across the yard. Work in sections and clear clippings often to prevent clogging. Let grass recover for 2-3 days between mowing sessions. Avoid mowing wet grass as it sticks and clumps.

3. Grass Shears

For small overgrown areas, handheld grass shears quickly chop down grass. Look for heavy-duty shears with ergonomic handles and robust blades. Hold them horizontally and squeeze the handles to cut the grass, working slowly in rows. Grass shears work well along fences, foundations, and other tight spots.

How to use: Cut border grass first, then work systematically across the area, taking off only 1/3 of the blade length per pass. Rake clippings and let grass recover before the next trim.

4. Scythe

A scythe is an old-fashioned but extremely effective tool for clearing medium to large overgrown areas. It has a long, curved blade on the end of a 5-6 foot wooden handle. With practice, you can swiftly cut down grass up to waist height with a scythe.

How to use: Stand with knees slightly bent. Keep your back straight and the scythe blade edge parallel to the ground. Swing it in a sweeping arc through the grass. Make sequential passes while steadily moving forward to cut the lawn.

5. Sickle

For periodic spot-cutting of overgrown grass, a sickle is ideal. It has a short handle and a curved blade like a mini scythe. Wield it with one hand using gentle backhanded strokes away from your body. Sickles are easy to transport and store.

How to use: Cut border grass first, then methodically work your way across the area, taking off only 1/3 of the blade length per pass. Let grass recover between trims.

Lawn Maintenance After Cutting Overgrown Grass

Once you’ve cut your overgrown grass down to size, there are a few lawn care steps to take:

• Rake – Use a stiff rake to lift grass clippings and debris from the lawn. This prevents suffocation and allows sunlight and air to reach the soil.

• Water – Water your lawn after cutting overgrown grass. Tall grass leads to shallow roots, so proper watering encourages deep root growth.

• Fertilize – Apply a balanced fertilizer to nourish the grass after being cut back severely. This speeds recovery.

• Inspect – Check for bare spots, weeds, insects, or diseased grass. Overseed, spot treat weeds, or use pest control as needed.

• Set a mowing schedule – Stick to regular mowing at least weekly during active growth periods to prevent overgrowth again.

Tips for Safely Cutting Overgrown Grass

Cutting extremely tall grass presents some hazards. Keep these safety tips in mind:

• Wear protective eyewear, gloves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes.

• Inspect for debris and objects hidden in the grass before cutting.

• Never allow children or pets near the mowing area.

• Use caution on slopes and hills to avoid slips or falls.

• Take frequent breaks and drink water to avoid overheating.

• Alternate mowing direction each time to reduce lawn rutting.

• Sharpen mower blades regularly for clean cuts and optimal performance.

Avoid Letting Grass Get Overgrown

While dealing with overgrown grass is doable, prevention is ideal. Follow these tips to maintain a well-kept lawn:

• Mow at least once weekly during the growing season. For fast growers like Bermuda grass, mow every 4-5 days.

• Set mower blades between 2-4 inches high, depending on your grass type. Never cut more than 1/3 of the blade height.

• Water deeply but infrequently, only when grass shows signs of drought stress.

• Use fertilizer at half the recommended rate to provide nutrients without excessive growth.

• Monitor your lawn routinely and take action at the first signs of grass getting too tall.

When to Call a Professional

For severely neglected lawns with grass taller than 2 feet, the overgrowth may be beyond what you can handle as a DIY project. Some situations where it’s advisable to hire a professional lawn crew include:

• The lawn has become a tangled mess of weeds and brush.

• Thick, woody stems make DIY removal difficult and hazardous.

• Large yard size or steep slopes create an overly strenuous mowing task.

• Poor health means grass may not recover well from being cut back.

• Lack of proper lawn cutting equipment for the job.

• Physical limitations make mowing/trimming challenging or dangerous.

While hiring pros comes with a cost, for big overgrown lawn rehab projects, it can save you time, effort, and headaches in the long run.

Letting your lawn get wildly out of control happens, but thankfully there are many techniques to correct overgrown grass and restore your yard’s beauty. String trimmers, mowers, shears, scythes, and sickles all work to cut down tall grass. Just be sure to do it gradually, safely, and follow proper lawn care afterwards. With a little work, you can tackle the problem head on and reclaim a lush, green lawn to be proud of.