Ryegrass Falling Over: Mow Lower, Don't Baby It

Homeowner planted rye, waited until 3.5–4″ to mow. It flopped before and after cutting. "Bad haircut" look.

Fix: Cut again. Lower. Rye at 3.5–4″ is leggy and weak—especially in winter. If Northern Hemisphere winter:

• Mow to 1–1.5″ to harden it for cold
• This destroys the rye plant (annual) but prevents matting/snow mold
• If perennial rye: mow to 2–2.5″ for winter

Rule: Never remove >1/3 blade height at once. But if it's already flopped, it's past that point. Cut low, clean up, let it regrow dense.