Southwest Lawn Mowing Guide
Desert Southwest lawns are about surviving heat and stretching water. Bermuda loves the heat but goes dormant and brown in the cool months — so you either let it rest or overseed with ryegrass for winter color, a choice that shapes your whole calendar. Buffalograss is the native, low-water alternative. Either way, irrigation does the heavy lifting and the summer monsoon sets the timing.
What grass do you have?
- Bermuda — the heat-loving default; cut low; dormant in winter unless overseeded.
- Buffalograss — native, very low water; can be left tall and infrequently mowed.
Mowing heights for Southwest grasses
| Grass | Mowing height | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bermuda | 1–2 in | Raise slightly under extreme heat stress |
| Buffalograss | 2–3 in | Low input — some homeowners leave it unmowed |
| Ryegrass (winter overseed) | 1.5–2.5 in | Only if you overseed Bermuda for winter color |
Southwest mowing calendar
| Month | Mowing & lawn care |
|---|---|
| Jan | Bermuda dormant (or mow overseeded ryegrass). |
| Feb | Same — light mowing if overseeded. |
| Mar | Bermuda begins to green up as nights warm; transition off ryegrass. |
| Apr | Active Bermuda growth — regular mowing resumes. |
| May | Strong growth before peak heat; weekly cuts. |
| Jun | Extreme heat — Bermuda thrives; mow weekly, water early. |
| Jul | Monsoon season drives fast growth — mow every 5–7 days. |
| Aug | Continued monsoon growth; keep up with it. |
| Sep | Still hot and active; weekly mowing. |
| Oct | Growth slows as nights cool; overseed with ryegrass now for winter color (optional). |
| Nov | Bermuda heads to dormancy; mow ryegrass if overseeded. |
| Dec | Bermuda dormant; light ryegrass mowing if overseeded. |
Mowers & equipment
See our mowing height guide and best lawn mowers.
Get the full Southwest plan
📖 Lush Lawns Southwest — region-specific mowing heights, seasonal timing, and lawn care for Southwest (Bermuda and Buffalograss).
📖 Lush Lawns Southwest — region-specific mowing heights, seasonal timing, and lawn care for Southwest (Bermuda and Buffalograss).