Nature runs on its own, ever-changing schedule, which is why growing conditions are more important than the calendar when determining when to mow in spring. Most homeowners should begin spring mowing between early March to early May, depending on their location, grass length, grass type, weather conditions, and soil conditions.
Southern homeowners with warm-season grasses should start mowing after soil temperatures warm to 60 degrees. Northern homeowners with cool-season grasses should start mowing once soil temperatures hit 50 degrees. Wait until the grass length reaches about 4 to 4.5 inches and the soil isn’t soggy from rain or snowmelt.
Understanding spring lawn growth
Spring lawn awakening follows specific temperature thresholds rather than calendar dates. Cool-season grasses begin growth when soil temperatures reach 50 degrees, while warm-season varieties need consistent 60-degree soil temperatures to exit dormancy.
Grass growth begins underground with root development before visible blade growth appears. Three factors power this activity:
- Warming soil that activates nutrients
- Increasing daylight hours that boost photosynthesis
- Spring moisture that hydrates the awakening grass
Spring growth occurs in phases — first roots extend deeper, then blades slowly turn green, followed by vertical growth when conditions are optimal. Most lawns require 2 to 3 weeks of consistent favorable conditions before they reach a mowable height.
Understanding this progression helps determine the ideal timing for your first mow.
My tip: Look for an even green color across your entire lawn and consistent vertical growth, rather than relying solely on the calendar date.
Factors that determine when to start mowing
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to when to start mowing grass in spring, as several factors influence this decision, including location, grass length, grass type, weather conditions, and soil conditions. Let’s dive deeper into each factor.
Location
America is a big country, and the best time to cut the grass will vary based on your location.
| Northern (Cool-Season) | Transition Zone | Southern (Warm-Season) |
| This area includes Pennsylvania to Northern California and everything north of that line. Homeowners in this region should start mowing in late March to mid-April. | This region runs from Maryland to most of California and incorporates northern Texas, northern North Carolina, and southern Nevada. If you live in this area, start mowing mid-March to early April for cool-season grass and mid-April to early May for warm-season grass. | This area includes South Carolina, below the Texas panhandle, southern California, and everything south of that line. Residents should start mowing in early to mid-March. |
Read more:
- Lawn Care Calendar for Cool-Season Grass
- Lawn Care Calendar for Warm-Season Grass
- Guide to Growing Grass in the Transition Zone
Grass type
Grass type falls into two categories–warm-season grass and cool-season grass.
Cool-season grasses begin active growth when soil temperatures reach 45 to 55 degrees (around 55 degrees air temperature), typically requiring your first mow in early to mid-March in transition zones, or late March to early April in northern regions.
Warm-season grasses begin active growth when soil temperatures reach 60 to 65 degrees (about 65 degrees air temperature), which usually means your first mow is in mid-April to early May in transition zones, or early to mid-March in southern regions.
When your grass reaches the heights shown below, it’s time for your first spring mow. Remember to follow the one-third rule and only cut down to the recommended height.
| Grass type | Typical First Mow Timing | Mow at this height (inches) | Cut to this height (inches) |
| COOL-SEASON GRASSES | |||
| Tall fescue | Late March to early April | 3 to 6 | 2 to 4 |
| Kentucky bluegrass | Late March to early April | 3 to 4.5 | 2 to 3 |
| Fine fescue | Late March to early April | 2.25 to 4.5 | 1.5 to 3 |
| Perennial ryegrass | Late March to early April | 2.25 to 4.5 | 1.5 to 3 |
| Bentgrass | Late March to early April | .38 to 1.5 | 0.25 to 1 |
| WARM-SEASON GRASSES | |||
| Bahiagrass | Early to mid-March | 4.5 to 6 | 3 to 4 |
| St. Augustine | Early to mid-March | 3.75 to 6 | 2.5 to 4 |
| Buffalograss | Early to mid-March | 3 to 6 | 2 to 4 |
| Centipedegrass | Early to mid-March | 2.25 to 3 | 1.5 to 2 |
| Zoysiagrass | Early to mid-March | 1.5 to 3.75 | 1 to 2.5 |
| Carpetgrass | Early to mid-March | 1.5 to 3 | 1 to 2 |
| Bermudagrass | Early to mid-March | 1.5 to 3 | 1 to 2 |
Weather conditions
Weather patterns in late winter and early spring are the most critical factors in determining exactly when your first mow should happen, regardless of the calendar date.
- Rain: More or less rain than normal causes your first mow of the year to be earlier or later than normal.
- Temperature: Higher or lower temperatures affect your lawn’s growth rate. Cool-season grass actively grows when air temperatures reach 55 degrees, and warm-season grass actively grows when air temperatures reach 65 degrees.
- Late frost: Every gardener’s and landscaper’s worst nightmare is a late frost because it’ll weaken or kill new growth. It does the same for grass, affecting the timing of your first mow.
Once your grass is ready, mow when conditions are right. Ideal mowing conditions include dry grass, low humidity, no or low wind, and mid-morning, between 8 and 10 a.m., which is the best time to mow your lawn.
My tip: Mowing too early in spring, when the grass is still partially dormant, can damage your lawn and hinder the growth you want for summer. When in doubt, it’s better to wait another week.
Soil conditions
Soil conditions like moisture, temperature, compaction, drainage, and fertility significantly impact your grass growth and, therefore, when you should mow.
- Soil temperature: Cool-season grasses actively grow when soil temperatures reach 45 to 55 degrees, and warm-season grasses require soil temperatures of 60 to 65 degrees.
- Soil moisture: Avoid mowing spring soils that remain soggy from winter precipitation or snowmelt. Wait until you can walk on your lawn without leaving footprints or feeling water squish beneath your feet — typically 2 to 3 days after heavy rain or snowmelt.
- Soil firmness: If your soil is still soft and yielding underfoot, it’s too early to mow. Mowing on soft soil can cause ruts, soil compaction, and damage to grass roots. When you can walk across your entire lawn without sinking in, it’s ready for that first mow.
My tip: If you can easily push a screwdriver 6 inches into your soil, it’s too wet for mowing. Wait until the soil offers more resistance.
FAQ about mowing in spring
Your lawn is begging for its first spring haircut when it hits about 4 inches tall, and growth looks even across your yard. Make sure the ground is dry enough — no soggy spots or puddles hanging around. Skip the mow if you’re still seeing morning frost, as cutting frosted grass can stress your lawn. Wait until your local last-frost date has passed to be safe.
Set mower height using the one-third rule: never cut more than one-third of the grass blade. Cutting too short stresses the grass, leading to weeds and disease. Use sharp blades for clean cuts, helping grass conserve water and remain healthy. Dull blades tear grass, resulting in brown tips and yellowing.
Mulch clippings when possible — they act as a free fertilizer application. However, remove any excess clippings that could smother your lawn. Always vary your mowing pattern to prevent grass from leaning and to avoid scalping the same areas continuously. Alternating directions (try right angles) encourage upright growth and reduce soil compaction.
Read more:
• How to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades
• 6 Different Lawn Mowing Patterns
Avoid mowing when the grass is short or the soil is wet to prevent damaging young blades and creating divots. Cutting grass too short invites weeds and harms your lawn. Always use sharp blades to prevent browning and disease. Skip mowing wet grass to avoid tearing and clogs. Finally, change your mowing pattern to prevent ruts and patchy grass.
Read more:
• Lawn Mowing Tips – How to Mow Your Lawn
• How to Mow a Lawn the Right Way
There are some scenarios when you should absolutely not cut your lawn or risk damaging your lawn. Don’t cut your lawn if it’s wet, in extreme heat, if there’s a drought, if there is or recently was a frost, if your grass is dormant, or shortly after applying fertilizer, pesticides, or weed killer.
Read more: When Not to Mow Your Lawn
As a general rule, mow your lawn weekly in the growing season. Cool-season grasses should be mowed every 8 to 9 days in the spring and fall, but every 10 to 14 days in the summer. Warm-season grasses need mowing every 7 to 10 days in the spring and fall, but every 3 to 7 days in the summer.
However, your mowing frequency varies by grass type and your location. For example, bermudagrass in ideal conditions needs a trim every 3 to 5 days, while buffalograss in dry climates can go a month without a mow.
Professional lawn mowing costs between $35 and $100, with the national average price at $75. The cost varies depending on factors such as lawn size, grass length, type of grass, accessibility, and lawn health.
Read our complete guide: How Much Does Lawn Mowing Cost in 2025?
When to call a professional
Mowing is an easy DIY task, but it’s also time-consuming and laborious. Throw in aerating, dethatching, fertilizing, and lawn care, and it becomes daunting. Lawn Love can help. We can connect you with vetted, affordable, reliable, local lawn care professionals who’ll expertly handle your lawn care tasks so you can enjoy your free time doing the things you love.
Sources
Mowing practices for healthy lawns By Sam Bauer, Extension educator at The University of Minnesota, and Jonah Reyes, University of Minnesota graduate and Natural Resources Technician
Main Image Credit: Ivan Traimak | Adobe Stock Free | License
Related Posts:
