FAQ's & How To's

First-year mowing is mainly about getting sunlight to the native seedlings. New prairie plants are short, slow, and focused on roots. Annual weeds grow much faster and can shade the ground if they are allowed to get tall and thick. Mowing does not magically kill weeds, but it can keep the canopy open so the native seedlings are not smothered. A practical first-year mowing plan is to mow at least two or three times during the first growing season. Many people use a schedule similar to Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day, depending on weather and weed pressure. Another simple approach is to mow when the vegetation gets around knee high and cut it back low enough to open the canopy. The exact height depends on your equipment, your goals, and how aggressive the weeds are. There is no single perfect mowing system. Some prairie managers prefer mowing high, around eight to ten inches, because it leaves more leaf area on the native seedlings. Those leaves are the plant’s solar panels, and cutting too short can reduce growth. On the other hand, many successful backyard plantings have been mowed with a riding mower set around five inches. That is not ideal in every case, but it also does not automatically ruin a planting. We recommend staying 6" or above. The key is to understand what mowing can and cannot do. Mowing annual weeds before they shade everything is helpful. Mowing Canada thistle, brome, or other perennials may slow them down, but it will not remove them. If you have a real invasive patch, you may need targeted herbicide, hand removal, digging, or other direct control. First-year mowing is a support tool. It buys sunlight and time while the prairie roots establish.