Mowing in Drought: Leave Grass Tall to Shade Soil

In Arkansas heat, don’t mow short. Tall grass (5" before winter dormancy) shades soil, reduces evaporation, insulates roots from heat and cold. Roots don’t “hold up” blades—blades protect roots.

Mow high all summer. Last mow before winter: leave 5" for root insulation. Short mowing increases stress, water loss, and weed invasion.