Weekly vs. Biweekly Lawn Mowing

Weekly vs. Biweekly Lawn Mowing: What Works Best in Sherman, Texas?

Keeping your lawn looking good in Sherman isn’t just about the "haircut"—it’s about the biology of the blade. One of the most common questions homeowners ask is whether they should choose a weekly or biweekly mowing schedule.

While biweekly may seem like a way to save money, it often creates a "hidden tax" on your lawn's health. Because of Sherman's aggressive spring growth and heavy clay soil, your mowing frequency dictates whether your grass stays thick or starts thinning out.

The 1/3 Rule: Why Weekly Wins

The most important rule in professional turf management is never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade at once. * Weekly Mowing: Typically removes about 1 inch of growth. This keeps the grass in its "vegetative state," encouraging it to grow sideways and get thicker.

• Biweekly Mowing: In the Sherman spring, grass can easily grow 3-4 inches in 14 days. To get it back to a manageable height, you have to cut off 50% or more of the blade. This is called "scalping," and it sends the grass into shock, turning it yellow and inviting weeds to take over.

Side-by-Side: The Real Impact

FeatureWeekly MowingBiweekly MowingWeed ControlExcellent. Constant trimming prevents weeds from seeding.Poor. Weeds have 14 days to flower and spread seeds.Turf DensityThick. Encourages runners (stolons) to spread.Thin. Grass grows "leggy" and tall, leaving bare dirt visible.Heat StressLow. Taller, consistent canopy shades the clay.High. Cutting long grass exposes the "white" stems to sun.Curb AppealManicured. Golf-course look all week.The Rollercoaster. Looks messy for 10 days, then "scalped" for 4.

When Does Biweekly Actually Work?

There are only a few times in Sherman when biweekly mowing is acceptable:

1. The July/August Heat Wave: When temperatures hit 100°F and there is no rain, Bermuda grass growth slows to a crawl. A biweekly "touch-up" may be all that's needed.
2. Deep Shade Areas: If you have heavy tree cover, the grass grows slower. Mowing weekly might actually wear out the grass from too much mower traffic.
3. Late Fall: As the soil cools in October and November, growth naturally slows down before winter dormancy.

FAQ: Mowing Schedules

Does biweekly mowing save me money?

In the short term, yes. However, biweekly mowing often leads to weed infestations and thin turf. You may end up spending more on "rescue" weed treatments and aeration than you saved on mowing.

Why does my lawn look yellow after a biweekly cut?

This is the result of scalping. You've cut past the green "leaf" and into the "stem" of the grass. In Sherman's clay soil, this also exposes the dirt to the sun, which can bake the roots.

Can I switch from biweekly to weekly mid-season?

Yes! If you notice your lawn is getting "shaggy" or weeds are popping up, switching to weekly is the best way to "reset" the lawn and force it to thicken back up.