Can You Mow After Fertilizing?

Can You Mow After Fertilizing Your Lawn in Sherman, Texas?

The short answer is yes, but timing is everything. Mowing too soon can physically remove the fertilizer granules from your lawn, while mowing at the wrong height can stress your grass just as it’s trying to absorb nutrients.

For homeowners in Sherman, our heavy clay soil and intense sun make these timing decisions even more critical. If you've just fertilized (or are about to), here is the professional guide to getting your mowing schedule right.

The Golden Rule: Wait 24 to 48 Hours

Regardless of the brand of fertilizer used, your lawn needs a "settling period."

1. For Granular Fertilizer

• The Wait: 24–48 Hours.
• Why? Granules need to be watered into the soil. If you mow while the granules are still sitting on the surface, your mower's blades and vacuum action will pick up the fertilizer and toss it into the bag or onto the sidewalk, wasting your money.
• Pro Tip: Only mow once you can no longer see the pellets on the ground.

2. For Liquid Fertilizer

• The Wait: 2–4 Hours (or until completely dry).
• Why? Liquid fertilizer is absorbed through the grass blades (foliar intake). If you mow while the grass is still wet with product, you are literally cutting off the nutrients before the plant can digest them.

Should You Mow BEFORE Fertilizing?

Yes! In fact, this is the preferred method for Sherman lawns.

• Clear the Path: Mowing 1–2 days before a treatment removes excess "thatch" and tall grass, allowing the fertilizer to drop straight to the soil where it’s needed.
• Consistency: A freshly mowed lawn allows for a more even application, preventing "striping" where some grass gets too much food and other areas get none.

Mowing Heights for Sherman Grass Types

When you finally do mow after fertilizing, don't "scalp" it. Fertilization triggers a growth spurt, and cutting the grass too short during this time can "shock" the plant.

Grass TypeRecommended HeightBermuda1.0" – 2.0"St. Augustine3.0" – 4.0"Zoysia1.5" – 2.5"

The 1/3 Rule: Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing session. If the fertilizer made your grass grow like crazy, raise the mower deck!

FAQ: Fertilizing & Mowing

What if I accidentally mowed right after fertilizing?

Don't panic, but keep an eye on it. You likely removed a portion of the nutrients. You may see uneven greening or "splotchy" growth. Do not re-fertilize immediately; wait for the next scheduled cycle to avoid burning the roots.

Should I bag my clippings after fertilizing?

No. We recommend mulching your clippings back into the lawn. These clippings contain the nitrogen and nutrients the grass just absorbed, providing a "second feeding" as they decompose.

Does Sherman's clay soil change the rules?

Yes. Clay absorbs water slowly. If you water in your fertilizer, wait until the ground isn't "mushy" before mowing. Mowing on wet clay causes soil compaction and tire ruts that can take months to fix.

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