Why We Recommend Cutting Grass to 3 Inches in Calgary

Why We Recommend Cutting Grass to 3 Inches in Calgary

When it comes to lawn care in Calgary, cutting your grass to the right height can make a bigger difference than most homeowners realize. At Checkmate Landscape, we’ve maintained hundreds of lawns across SW, SE, and NW Calgary, and one of our most important mowing rules is simple:

👉 Always cut grass to 3 inches

This height is ideal for Calgary’s climate, soil conditions, and growing season. Here’s why keeping your lawn at 3 inches leads to healthier, greener grass all season long.

1. 3-Inch Grass Protects Your Lawn from Heat Stress

Calgary summers can be hot, dry, and windy — which means moisture disappears quickly from the soil. Longer grass blades:

  • Shade the soil

  • Reduce evaporation

  • Keep roots cooler

  • Help grass survive heat waves

When grass is cut too short, the soil dries faster and your lawn becomes stressed and brown. Three inches acts like natural insulation for your lawn.

2. Deeper Roots = Stronger Lawn

Grass that’s cut too short puts all its energy into regrowing blades instead of strengthening its roots. At 3 inches:

  • Roots grow deeper

  • Grass becomes more drought-resistant

  • Lawns recover faster after mowing

  • Turf becomes thicker and more durable

This is especially important in Calgary, where watering restrictions and dry spells are common.

3. Better Weed Control Without Chemicals

One of the best natural ways to prevent weeds is cutting grass taller. At 3 inches:

  • Grass shades out weed seeds

  • Less sunlight reaches weed sprouts

  • Turf grows thicker and crowds out invaders like dandelions

Short grass creates bare soil — which weeds love. Taller grass creates competition that weeds struggle to beat.

4. Healthier, Greener Appearance

Lawns cut to 3 inches:

  • Look fuller and more uniform

  • Stay greener longer

  • Grow more evenly

  • Hide minor imperfections and uneven areas

This height gives Calgary lawns a professional, well-maintained look without stressing the grass.

5. Less Watering Required

Because longer grass holds moisture better, lawns cut at 3 inches require less frequent watering. That means:

  • Lower water bills

  • Better drought tolerance

  • Healthier grass during dry periods

In Calgary’s climate, this is a major advantage.

Why We Mow at 3 Inches at Checkmate Landscape

At Checkmate Landscape, we set our mowing height to 3 inches because it consistently produces the best results for Calgary lawns. Our mowing practices are designed to:

  • Reduce stress on the grass

  • Improve long-term lawn health

  • Keep lawns looking great between cuts

  • Support sustainable lawn care

We provide reliable lawn mowing services in SW, SE, and NW Calgary, and we adjust mowing schedules based on weather and growth — not guesswork.

When Should You Cut Shorter or Taller?

  • Early spring: 2.5–3 inches to clean up winter growth

  • Summer: 3 inches (or slightly higher during heat waves)

  • Fall: 3 inches to protect roots before winter

Consistency is more important than cutting low — and your lawn will reward you for it.

Need Professional Lawn Mowing in Calgary?

If you want your lawn cut at the correct height every time, Checkmate Landscape can help. We offer dependable lawn mowing services throughout SW, SE, and NW Calgary, tailored to Calgary’s climate and growing conditions.

👉 Contact Checkmate Landscape today for professional lawn mowing and healthier grass all season long.

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