Stop Cutting Your Lawn So Short: The Grass Height Landscapers Actually Recommend

Our take

For South African homeowners, this advice translates well — with some local context worth noting. SA gardens are dominated by warm-season grasses: LM (Berea), Kikuyu, and Buffalo are the most common across Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban suburbs. These generally thrive at the shorter end of the spectrum (roughly 3 to 5 cm), but the one-third rule and mowing timing advice applies universally. During our hot summer months — particularly in Gauteng and the Western Cape — mowing in the cooler early morning or late afternoon protects grass from heat stress, which is especially relevant given the intensity of our midday sun. Homeowners dealing with water restrictions should also note that slightly taller grass retains soil moisture better, reducing irrigation needs. For landlords and sellers preparing a property for listing, a well-maintained lawn meaningfully improves kerb appeal and can influence a buyer's first impression. If you're outsourcing lawn care, get quotes from at least two local garden services — pricing in SA varies considerably by suburb and garden size.