Grass Cutting: What You Really Need to Know About Maintaining Artificial and Natural Lawns

When it comes to grass cutting, the act of trimming or managing the height of lawn vegetation, whether natural or synthetic. Also known as lawn trimming, it’s one of those tasks people assume is simple—until they realize artificial grass doesn’t grow, and natural grass won’t stay neat without the right tools or timing. Many homeowners mix up how to handle real turf versus synthetic grass, and that’s where things go wrong. You can’t mow artificial grass like you would a real lawn, and you can’t ignore natural grass just because it looks green. The key is knowing which type you have—and what that actually means for upkeep.

Artificial grass, a synthetic surface made from polyethylene or polypropylene fibers designed to mimic natural turf. Also known as synthetic turf, it doesn’t need cutting at all. But that doesn’t mean it’s maintenance-free. Sand infill can settle, debris builds up, and pet traffic can flatten the blades. What you do instead of cutting? Brushing it upright, rinsing off dirt, and checking for uneven wear. On the flip side, natural grass cutting, the regular trimming of live turfgrass to maintain health and appearance. Also known as lawn mowing, it’s about timing, blade height, and avoiding stress. Cutting too short weakens roots. Cutting too late lets weeds take over. The best results come from frequent, light cuts during peak growing season—not just when it looks messy.

What’s interesting is how these two types of grass connect to other garden habits. If you’re using landscape fabric, a permeable barrier placed under turf to block weeds and stabilize soil. Also known as weed barrier, it’s often paired with artificial grass to prevent roots from pushing up through the base. Or if you’re dealing with hard soil, dense, compacted earth that resists water and root penetration. Also known as compacted soil, it’s a common reason natural grass struggles—even if you cut it regularly. You can’t fix poor growth with a mower. You need to aerate, add compost, or rethink drainage first.

And here’s the thing most guides skip: cutting isn’t always the answer. Sometimes the problem isn’t too long—it’s too flat. Artificial grass loses its bounce when the fibers lie down. Natural grass turns brown when you scalp it. Both need different care. One needs brushing. The other needs a sharp blade and a consistent schedule. There’s no one-size-fits-all rule. Your climate, soil, usage, and grass type all change the game.

Below, you’ll find real advice from gardeners who’ve been there. From how often to brush synthetic turf to the exact height to cut Kentucky bluegrass in spring, these posts cut through the noise. No fluff. No myths. Just what works in UK gardens—whether you’re dealing with a backyard that gets heavy foot traffic, a pet-friendly lawn, or a patch of grass that just won’t behave. You’ll learn what tools actually help, what to avoid, and how to make your lawn look better without working harder.