Mowing occurs frequently, often viewed as a regular occurrence necessary for keeping a lawn well-maintained. Homeowners and professionals in landscape management perform this act of maintenance on a near-weekly basis from late spring to early fall.

Time and toil in the mowing position are grueling. But does the grass actually grow more when we mow it? Or does it simply put on a better show in the short term, looking classic and capsular while living in flatland?

Grasses represent resilient plants that thrive in many different habitats. Of the three main plant parts—roots, stems, and leaves—grasses possess modifications that permit them to live in conditions where no other flowering plants can survive. Most essential is the way grasses grow from the base, or crown, of the plant. Even when grazed or mowed, grasses can live to grow another day. If you were to cut a grass plant, it would respond by not only attempting to maintain all of its essential parts—roots, crown, and stems—but also utilizing its local growing space in an almost frenzied (but mostly efficient) way.

Another effect of mowing is the promotion of a denser lawn that looks much more appealing. Lateral growth occurs in a lawn primarily from the tillers—new shoots that emerge from the base of a grass plant. Mowing at the right height and at the right interval can lead to an increase in the number of tillers produced, which results in a thicker lawn. Aerial (or vertical) growth of the grass plant can also occur, but not when the plant is kept at optimal mowing height during the growing season. If one continues to mow, the density (and appearance) of the lawn is substantially improved, which also serves to reduce the number of weeds that can grow there because of the increased competition for nutrients and water.

In addition, mowing can enhance the grass's overall health by improving the grass's air circulation and sunlight penetration. Grass that is allowed to grow too tall can become shaded, leading to weak and spindly growth. Maintaining an appropriate height through regular mowing enables grass to receive adequate sunlight and air. These are essential for the photosynthesis that makes grass, or any plant, a healthy one.

Nevertheless, it is imperative to take into account the elevation at which grass is sheared. Various species of grass possess distinct optimal mowing heights, and being overly ambitious in the quest for a close shave can lead to some not-so-cool consequences. For example, the fancy bunchgrass that is Kentucky bluegrass typically thrives when kept at about 2.5 to 3.5 inches, while the carpet of warm-season grass that is Bermuda grass looks best when kept at about 1 to 2 inches. Mowing beyond the call of duty can stress the grass. And guess who it makes susceptible to a whole host of diseases, pests, and the ravages of drought? That's right. Mowed grass.

How often grass is cut significantly affects its well-being. The general rule is to cut it no shorter than 3 inches and no more often than every 5 to 10 days. The frequency of cutting affects not just the height of the plants but also their health and the appearance of the lawn as a whole. Grasses that are cut too short, too often, or at the wrong time can become "tired" and not grow back as strongly or as well as they should.

Another aspect to keep in mind is when to mow. Doing so during the heat of the day can stress the grass and inhibit its recovery. It is generally best to mow in the cooler parts of the day, like the early morning or late afternoon, when the temperatures are lower, and the grass is less likely to be stressed.

To sum up, mowing can assist grass growth when done right. Mowing helps grass predominantly in two ways. First, it makes the existing grass thicker by promoting basal tillers that grow out from the base of the plant. Second, grasses that are grown from seed have a much better chance of survival when they are not allowed to grow too tall. That reason alone probably insures an ample supply of sunshine needed for photosynthesis. But there are three very important best practices that must be followed if the mower is to be a friend and not a foe.