How to Cut Long Grass

How to Cut Long Grass Without Damaging Your Lawn

When life gets busy, lawns have a habit of growing wild. Maybe the weather’s been against you, you’ve been away, or you’ve simply let a few mowing sessions slip by. Before you know it, you’re dealing with ankle (or even knee) high grass that’s too thick for a quick trim.

Knowing how to cut long grass properly can save your lawn from stress and your tools from strain. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best way to cut long grass, when to use a mower, when a grass trimmer is the better choice, and how to keep your garden looking neat once it’s under control.

Can You Mow Long Grass?

The short answer is yes – but it’s not as straightforward as cutting a short, well-maintained lawn. If you simply push your mower through tall, dense growth, you risk clogging the deck, dulling the blades, or even damaging the motor. The safest approach is to work in stages, taking no more than one-third of the grass height off at a time. This method reduces stress on the grass and prevents unsightly yellowing.

How to Mow Long Grass Step-by-Step

If your lawn is overgrown but still manageable with a mower, follow these steps for the best results:

1. Start high – Set your mower to its maximum cutting height to prevent scalping.

2. Use the right machine – A powerful cordless mower like the Ryobi 36V MAX POWER™ Brushless Lawn Mower handles thick growth without bogging down.

3. Work slowly – Give the blades time to cut through dense grass instead of tearing it.

4. Make multiple passes – After the first cut, wait a few days before lowering the height and mowing again.

5. Clear clippings between passes – Use a cordless leaf blower or rake to prevent clumps from smothering the lawn.

How to Use a Grass Trimmer on Long Grass

When the grass is too long or uneven for a mower, a grass trimmer is your best starting point. Knowing how to use a grass trimmer on long grass will make the rest of the job far easier.

Work in arcs – Sweep the grass trimmer side to side, letting the line cut cleanly without forcing it.
Cut in stages – Take down the top section first, then go lower on the next pass.
Avoid scalping – Keep the head slightly raised to prevent cutting too close to the soil.
Clear debris often – Long grass can wrap around the head, so stop and clean it regularly.

For big overgrowth, the Ryobi 36V Max Power Cordless Grass Trimmer delivers both reach and cutting power, making it perfect for cutting long grass with a trimmer before finishing with a mower.

Best Way to Cut Long Grass: The Two-Tool Method

For most gardeners, the best way to cut long grass is a combination of grass trimming and mowing. Start by trimming down the tallest growth, then mow on a high setting, lowering gradually over several sessions. This approach:

Protects your mower from overload
Produces a cleaner, more even cut
Helps the lawn recover faster
Reduces the risk of lawn diseases caused by damaged blades

Maintaining Your Lawn After Cutting Long Grass

Once the hard work is done, keep your grass at a consistent length to avoid starting over again. Mow regularly, water during dry spells, and scarify in spring or autumn to keep thatch at bay.

Ryobi’s cordless lawn tools make this process easier and safer – from the brushless mowers that handle thick grass to the grass trimmers that tame the edges, all powered by the interchangeable ONE+™ battery system.