When your grass seemingly stops growing when the temperatures drop below 40 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, that’s when you should do the last mow of the season. Once you’re done, you won’t have to cut your grass again until spring.
Sounds simple, right? But the thing is, there’s no definite date for the final mow of the year. Plus, it will depend on your grass type and the region where you live.
When is the last mow of the season?
Most people believe that grasses stop growing during winter. But the truth is, your lawn will only slow down its growth significantly in the cold months — it won’t die completely.
Additionally, you may have read somewhere that the last mow of the season should be done immediately after the first frost. However, your grass can still grow considerably, especially if the temperature is still a bit warm even after the first frost.
So, when should you actually stop cutting your grass? It will largely depend on whether you have a warm-season or cool-season grass:
- Warm-season grass: The final mow of the year for warm-season grasses can be around late November, or when the day temperatures drop below 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cool-season grass: Since they only slow down growth around late November, you may do the last mow of the season for cool-season grasses around early December, or when the daytime temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
For more details on when a specific grass type slows growth or seemingly stops growing, check our story, “When Does Grass Stop Growing?”.
Note: Don’t be fooled by a green lawn. Your grass can still retain its beautiful color even after its growth considerably dwindled. The key is to observe your lawn’s growing patterns.
Homeowners in the northern regions, where winter can be extremely cold, may notice their lawns turning brown during the cold months. That’s because freezing temperatures in these areas can make even cool-season grasses go dormant.
Why is the last mow of the year important?
Letting your grass grow tall in the fall may seem logical because the longer blades can protect the lawn from the cold weather. However, this is far from the truth. Apart from making your lawn look unruly, longer grasses can actually damage your turf.
Due to the weight of snow, tall grass blades may bend sideways and attract snow molds. When this happens, it can cause diseases like Typhula blight and snow scald.
To avoid creating a tall grass canopy, it’s crucial to regularly mow your lawn until it seemingly ceases to grow, as suggested by M. Bess Dicklow, an extension plant pathologist at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Even if it doesn’t snow in your area, allowing your grass to stay tall and wild throughout winter can create a canopy that would encourage weeds to sprout and thrive.
Pro tip: Some homeowners make the mistake of cutting their grass too short before winter. This is a big no-no. When you cut your grass too short, you’re actually disrupting the photosynthesis process, which grasses desperately need to survive the winter. It also adds a lot of stress and will eventually lead to your lawn’s substantial thinning.
How to get the most out of the last mow of the season
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of the final mow of the year:
- Cut your lawn shorter than usual. Adjust your mower blades to 1/2 inch shorter than the recommended height for your type of grass. So if you’ve been cutting your Kentucky bluegrass for 3 inches every time you mow, you need to cut it at 2 1/2 inches this time.
- Don’t mow a wet lawn. Due to autumn showers, it can be a bit challenging to time your mowing on a dry day. However, it’s best to do the final mow when your lawn is dry to prevent grass from clumping. Otherwise, it may encourage mold growth.
- Remove fallen leaves. Using a leaf blower or rake, remove fallen leaves that can block out sunlight or turn into a thick layer of thatch. You can collect these leaves and create your own leaf mulch, which works well for the next tip.
- Consider adding compost. Try applying compost after your last mow of the season to act as an insulator and provide additional nutrients. You also can use grass or leaf mulch as an alternative to compost.
FAQ about mowing
Will regular mowing help thicken my grass?
Yes, regular mowing can help thicken your grass. The reason behind it is that you encourage your lawn to grow thicker every time you cut it. If you want your grass to grow fast, remember to avoid cutting it too short and minimize foot traffic on your lawn.
Is it expensive to mow the lawn myself?
It depends. If you already have a mower in your garage, the only thing you need to spend is time. But if you don’t have one yet, a new lawn mower costs anywhere from $123 for a reel type to around $2,547 for a riding mower.
Additionally, you need to keep your mower in good working condition. So, another thing to add to your mowing expenses is the cost of service or repair, which can run anywhere from $10 to $275.
How much does professional lawn mowing cost?
If you hire a pro, the cost of lawn mowing ranges from $35 to $100 per session. However, it all depends on where you live and the size of your lawn.
Since professional lawn mowing is very affordable, most homeowners who don’t have enough time on their hands find it more convenient to hire a lawn care pro for mowing services.
Prepare your lawn for winter
Don’t forget to cut your grass one last time before allowing your mower to hibernate this winter. Whether you consider the last mow of the season as a milestone or just another household task, it can help ensure your lawn is ready for the cold months and prepare it for the growing season in spring.
Apart from the last mow of the season, other lawn care tasks like aeration and fertilization are necessary for winterizing your lawn. If you’re already overwhelmed with other things like preparing for the holidays, let a local lawn care pro handle these maintenance tasks for you.
Main Image Credit: Dusan Kostic | Adobe Stock Free | License
