How often should I mow my lawn in Illinois?

During peak growth in spring and fall, weekly mowing is often necessary. In the hot summer, growth slows, and mowing every 10 to 14 days (bi-weekly) is usually sufficient. Always follow the "one-third rule" rather than a strict calendar schedule.

What is the best height to cut grass in Illinois?

For most Illinois cool-season grasses, a height of 2.5 to 3.5 inches is ideal. Never cut it shorter than 2.5 inches, and during summer stress, keep it at 3.5 inches or taller to promote root depth and shade the soil.

Why is the "one-third rule" so important?

Removing more than one-third of the grass blade at once shocks the plant, weakening its root system and making it susceptible to weeds, disease, and drought. Consistent, gradual cutting promotes a thick, healthy, and resilient lawn.

Should I bag my grass clippings or leave them on the lawn?

For a healthy lawn, it's generally recommended to leave fine clippings on the lawn (a practice called "grasscycling"). They decompose quickly, returning valuable nutrients and organic matter to the soil. Clippings should only be bagged if the lawn is overgrown or if disease is present.

When is the first and last mow of the season in Illinois?

The first mow typically occurs in late March or early April, once the grass has begun actively growing. The final mow of the season is usually in late November, cutting the grass slightly shorter (around 2.5 inches) before winter dormancy.

What's usually included in a standard professional mowing visit?

A standard visit typically includes mowing at the proper height, trimming around all obstacles, edging along hardscapes, and blowing clippings off walkways and driveways. Always confirm what is included when obtaining a quote.

Landscaping Services in Illinois

A well-maintained lawn is a cornerstone of curb appeal and outdoor enjoyment in Illinois. Professional lawn mowing services provide more than just a trim; they offer consistent, expert care tailored to the state's unique climate and grass types. This resource helps you understand the specifics of lawn care in Illinois, from seasonal schedules and proper mowing heights to service options and costs, empowering you to find the right local expertise for a healthy, vibrant yard.

Ross & Jack's Landscaping Inc

chicago

Ross & Jack's Landscaping Inc is a family-owned landscaping company based in Elmhurst, Illinois, serving Chicago and surrounding towns. Since 1975, they have offered comprehensive landscaping services including landscape design, installation, grounds maintenance, lawn care, sod installation, drainage solutions, and hardscaping such as retaining walls and brick paving. Their expertise includes digital landscape design layouts to help clients visualize projects before installation, as well as specialized drainage solutions like dry wells to manage water issues effectively. The company focuses on creating functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor living spaces that enhance property value.

5.0

157 Reviews

Winkler Tree & Lawn Care

115 E University Dr, Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Winkler Tree & Lawn Care is a landscaping and lawn care company based in Chicago, IL. They provide services including lawn mowing, tree removal, stump grinding, and general landscaping. Their team focuses on caring for trees and lawns with a passion for nature and landscaping.

5.0

106 Reviews

High End Lawn Care LLC

123 Indianwood Blvd #222, Park Forest, IL 60466

High End Lawn Care LLC is a lawn care company based in Chicago, IL, offering regular lawn mowing and maintenance services. They provide weekly or bi-weekly lawn care with a scheduled route system to keep lawns well-manicured even when clients are not home. Their service includes consistent lawn mowing aligned with weather conditions to maintain healthy and tidy lawns.

5.0

91 Reviews

Prestige Lawn Mowing & Landscaping

246 Tal Dr, Schererville, IN 46375

Prestige Lawn Mowing & Landscaping offers a range of lawn care and landscaping services in Chicago, IL. Their offerings include lawn mowing, landscaping, mulching, tree care, and seasonal cleanups, as well as snow removal during winter months. The company uses professional-grade equipment to maintain both residential and commercial properties, focusing on tailored care to suit local climate and grass types. Prestige Lawn Mowing & Landscaping is based in Schererville and brings local expertise to its service area, providing year-round property maintenance.

5.0

84 Reviews

Distinct Outdoor Living LLC

205 E Butterfield Rd #136, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Distinct Outdoor Living LLC is a landscaping company based in Chicago, IL, offering a range of services including lawn mowing, lawn care, landscape design, tree removal, stump grinding, land clearing, and brush removal. The company emphasizes a design-first approach, with over 20 years of experience in crafting and maintaining outdoor spaces tailored to clients' needs. Their owner is actively involved in every project from consultation to installation, ensuring personalized service. Distinct Outdoor Living also provides full-service maintenance plans to keep outdoor spaces looking their best over time.

5.0

82 Reviews

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Understanding Illinois Grass Types and Mowing Heights

Illinois lawns are predominantly composed of cool-season grasses, which thrive in the state's temperate climate with distinct seasons. The most common varieties include Kentucky Bluegrass, Fine Fescue, Tall Fescue, and Perennial Ryegrass. Each type has slightly different characteristics, but they share a common need for proper mowing height to develop deep roots, resist weeds, and withstand drought and temperature extremes.

The general rule for mowing height in Illinois is to keep grass between 2.5 and 4 inches tall ¹ ². A taller cut provides several benefits: it shades the soil to retain moisture and prevent weed seeds from germinating, promotes a more extensive root system, and increases the plant's overall resilience. For specific grass types, experts recommend:

Kentucky Bluegrass & Perennial Ryegrass: Maintain at 2.5-3.5 inches.
Tall Fescue: Also best kept at 2.5-3.5 inches.
Fine Fescue: Can be kept at the taller end of the range, around 3-4 inches.

Cutting your grass too short, known as "scalping," is a common mistake that weakens the grass, exposes soil to sunlight (encouraging weeds), and increases vulnerability to disease and heat stress.

The Critical "One-Third Rule" of Mowing

Perhaps the most important principle for a healthy lawn is the "one-third rule." This guideline states that you should never remove more than one-third of the grass blade's height in a single mowing session ³ ⁴. For example, if your target height is 3 inches, you should mow when the grass reaches about 4.5 inches tall, cutting off 1.5 inches.

Adhering to this rule is crucial because removing too much leaf tissue at once shocks the plant. It reduces its ability to photosynthesize and produce energy for root growth, leading to a thin, weak, and stressed lawn. Professional mowing services are trained to follow this rule consistently, adjusting their schedule based on growth rates to ensure your lawn is never cut too severely.

A Seasonal Mowing Schedule for Illinois

Grass growth in Illinois is not constant; it fluctuates dramatically with the seasons. A professional mowing schedule adapts to these natural cycles.

Spring (Late March - June): This is the peak growing season for cool-season grasses. With ample moisture and moderate temperatures, growth is rapid. Weekly mowing is typically necessary during this period to keep up with growth while following the one-third rule ⁵ ⁶. Spring is also the time for the first cut, which should be slightly lower to remove winter debris before resuming the regular taller height.
Summer (July - August): Heat and potential drought stress slow grass growth significantly. Mowing frequency should be reduced, often to every 10-14 days or bi-weekly. It's especially important to maintain a taller cut (3.5-4 inches) during summer to provide shade for the soil and roots. Mowing during the heat of the day should be avoided to prevent additional stress on the grass.
Fall (September - November): As temperatures cool, grass experiences a second, vigorous growth spurt similar to spring. Weekly mowing often resumes to manage this growth ⁷. The final cut of the season in late fall is important; grass should be left slightly shorter (around 2.5 inches) to prevent matting under snow and reduce the risk of fungal diseases like snow mold.
Winter (December - March): Grass is completely dormant. No mowing services are required during this period.

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Service Frequency and What's Typically Included

Professional lawn mowing in Illinois is offered at different frequencies to match your budget and desired level of upkeep. The per-visit cost often decreases with more frequent service.

Weekly Service: Ideal for the peak growth periods in spring and fall. This frequency provides the most consistently manicured appearance and is often the most cost-effective rate on a per-visit basis ⁸ ⁵.
Bi-Weekly Service: A very common choice for Illinois homeowners. It balances cost and maintenance, suitable for much of the growing season when growth is moderate ⁷ ⁶.
Monthly or One-Time Service: This has the highest per-visit cost and is best suited for periods of slow growth or for specific clean-up needs.

Most professional services offer more than just cutting the grass. A standard visit often includes a service bundle ⁸ ⁷:

Mowing at the proper height with clippings dispersed (or bagged upon request).
Trimming around trees, gardens, and landscape beds.
Edging along sidewalks, driveways, and curbs for a crisp, finished look.
Blowing to clear clippings and debris from hard surfaces.

Additional services like fertilization, weed control, aeration, and overseeding are often available as separate offerings or part of a comprehensive annual lawn care program.

Understanding Costs for Lawn Mowing in Illinois

The cost for professional lawn mowing in Illinois varies based on several key factors. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $30 and $80 per visit for a typical residential property ⁸ ⁹.

The primary factors influencing price are:

Lawn Size: This is the biggest determinant. Prices are often tiered for small (under 1/4 acre), medium (1/4 to 1/2 acre), and large (over 1/2 acre) yards. Acreage properties command significantly higher rates.
Service Frequency: As noted, weekly service usually has a lower per-visit price than bi-weekly or monthly service.
Property Characteristics: Steep slopes, many obstacles (trees, gardens), and uneven terrain can increase the time and effort required, thus increasing cost.
Location: Prices may be higher in metropolitan areas like Chicago and its suburbs compared to more rural parts of the state.
Scope of Service: Basic mowing is the standard. Adding detailed edging, shrub trimming, or full cleanup will increase the price.

It's always recommended to get detailed quotes from local providers that clearly outline what is included in the quoted price.

Benefits of Professional Lawn Mowing Service

Beyond saving you time and effort, hiring a professional offers tangible benefits for the health and appearance of your Illinois lawn:

Expert Timing: Professionals know when to mow based on growth, not just the calendar, ensuring the one-third rule is always followed.
Proper Technique: Sharp mower blades make clean cuts that heal quickly, preventing torn grass blades that turn brown and become entry points for disease.
Consistent Schedule: Your lawn receives care at the optimal interval, preventing it from becoming overgrown and stressed.
Equipment & Efficiency: Professionals use commercial-grade equipment suited to your property's size and features, ensuring a quality finish.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Mowing Your Lawn | Lawns | Illinois Extension | UIUC - https://extension.illinois.edu/lawns/mowing-your-lawn ↩
Mowing Your Midwestern Lawn - Schmechtig Landscapes - https://schmechtiglandscapes.com/blog/how-much-should-you-mow-your-midwestern-lawn/ ↩
The Importance of Timing and Temperature in Lawn Care - https://www.greenview.com/blog/maintenance/the-importance-of-timing-and-temperature-in-lawn-care ↩
How Often and What Height to Mow - The 1/3 Leaf Surface Rule is The Ke - https://www.mysoiltesting.com/blogs/lawn-articles/the-1-3-leaf-surface-rule-the-key-to-healthy-resilient-lawns ↩
How Often & When Should You Be Mowing Your Grass in ... - https://creeksidelandscapesil.com/blog/how-often-when-should-you-be-mowing-your-grass-in-illinois/ ↩ ↩²
How Often Should I Mow My Lawn? - Shoreline Landcare - https://www.shorelinelandcare.com/how-often-should-i-mow-my-lawn/ ↩ ↩²
Month-to-Month Illinois Lawn Care Schedule - Lawn Love - https://lawnlove.com/blog/illinois-lawn-care-schedule/ ↩ ↩² ↩³
Lawn Mowing Cost: Average Prices by Size & Region (2026) - https://www.yourgreenpal.com/blog/lawn-mowing-cost ↩ ↩² ↩³
How Much to Charge for Lawn Mowing: Complete Pricing Guide - https://order.siterecon.ai/blog/how-much-to-charge-for-lawn-mowing ↩

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