Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

When mowing Bermuda grass lawns, what is the proper height of cut?

1. 4"

2. 1.5 to 2.5"

3. 5"

4. 3 to 4"

The correct answer is: 1.5 to 2.5"

Mowing Bermuda grass lawns at a height of 1.5 to 2.5 inches is optimal for the health and vigor of the grass. This range allows Bermuda grass to thrive since it is a warm-season turf that benefits from regular mowing at this height to encourage lateral growth and promote a dense, lush appearance. Keeping the grass at this height helps in maintaining its resilience against weeds and diseases, while also allowing it to effectively photosynthesize. In contrast, other height options are too high or too low for Bermuda grass. Mowing at 4 inches or above may encourage excessive growth leading to a thatchy lawn, which can suffocate the grass over time and provide a nesting ground for pests. A cut height of 5 inches is also excessively high for Bermuda grass, which prefers shorter lengths for optimal health and aesthetic appeal. Meanwhile, mowing below 1.5 inches can expose the grass to stress, as it may not have enough leaf area to support its growth or recover from drought and heat stress. Therefore, the 1.5 to 2.5-inch range is the ideal choice.