Gene Caballero, Co-founder of Greenpal | GreenPal
Homeowners facing the challenge of an overgrown lawn can find themselves in a difficult situation, especially with potential fines from cities for violations. Feliciano Gomez from Feliciano's Lawn Care in Tampa, Florida, suggests starting with a weed eater to reduce the height and thickness of the grass. "This will also allow you to see if there are any items in your lawn that need to be removed like dog toys or hose pipes that can ruin your day and mower," he explains.
William Davis from Southern Grout Landscaping in Lawrenceville, Georgia advises raising the mower to its highest setting and working on small sections at a time. He states, "When your grass gets very tall, you will need to raise your mower to the highest setting and work your way down."
The one-third rule is another strategy mentioned, which involves not cutting off more than a third of the grass's height at once. This method helps maintain lawn health by preventing stress on the grass.
For extremely tall grass over 24 inches, DR Power Equipment recommends using a bush hog due to its thicker and stronger blade compared to regular mowers.
Hiring professionals is an option as well. Justin Morris with JSM Lawns & Landscaping in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee notes that professional equipment is more powerful but emphasizes consistent maintenance: "When your grass gets too tall, you will need to hire a professional... Keep someone coming to mow consistently."
Preventive measures are crucial according to experts. Regular mowing saves money and maintains lawn health while avoiding city fines or neighbor complaints.
For those needing assistance with overgrown lawns, services like GreenPal offer quick bids for lawn care needs.