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Mowing at least once a week during the growing season is a good general rule. However, every lawn is different, and factors like frequent rain and fertilizer use can cause grass to grow faster, potentially requiring mowing as often as every four days. When you mow, always follow the 'one-third rule': never cut more than one-third of the grass blade's height at once, as this can weaken it and prevent it from taking in proper nutrients. For most grass types, the ideal height is around 2 to 3 inches, though some warm-weather grasses do better when kept shorter at about 1.5 to 2 inches.

You should not water your lawn every day, even in hot weather. For most lawns, watering one to three times per week is sufficient. It is best to water during a drought or when temperatures are high, but avoid watering in the middle of the day or if the temperature exceeds 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The extreme heat will cause the water to evaporate before the soil can fully absorb it. The best time to water is in the early morning at dawn or in the early evening (between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.) when the temperature is cooler.

Despite being moderately high-maintenance, St. Augustine grass is popular for several reasons. The biggest properties that make this grass a winner for southeastern lawns include its salt, heat, humidity, and shade tolerance. This grass species is excellent for coastal regions with high humidity, mild winters, and salty skies. It’s also easy to establish in yards.

You can mow a lawn the wrong way by cutting off more than ⅓ of the grass's height, causing stress to the lawn and weak roots. If you don't cut your grass often enough, you’ll get weeds and cause damage to your mower and grass. But if you regularly mow your lawn and create straight lines in alternating directions, you’ll see great results.