It’s important to stop mowing your lawn in Pennsylvania when the average daytime temperature consistently drops below 40°F, which is usually around December. Temperatures this cold will cause grass to go dormant, and mowing it could injure your lawn.
But that’s not the whole story. Various factors affect when to stop mowing your lawn, such as where you live and when the first frost arrives. We’ll explain everything you need to know in this article.
Factors that determine when to stop mowing
A simple rule of thumb is, if your grass is still growing, keep mowing. But these factors impact when to stop mowing:
Temperature
Your grass grows at a slower rate as the daytime air temperature drops below 50°F, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. This happens around late October or early November.
Once the average daytime temperature consistently drops below 40°F in December, however, it stops growing, so mow one last time before putting your lawn mower away.
First frost
In general, stop mowing your lawn about a week before the first hard freeze. The National Centers for Environmental Information has a map that projects when the first fall freeze will occur. Consult it to find when the first freeze will happen in your area.
Zoysiagrass
Zoysiagrass is the only warm-season grass that grows in Pennsylvania (mostly in southern Pennsylvania home), as it’s hardy enough to survive our winters. But because it’s a warm-season grass, it is more sensitive to cold than the other varieties in Pennsylvania and will stop growing sooner in the fall.
Stop mowing your Zoysiagrass lawn when the average daytime temperature consistently drops below 50°F, around November.
More Lawn Care and Landscaping Resources for Pennsylvania
Frequently asked questions
How short should I make my final cut?
The best lawn height for winter is between 1 and 2 inches, depending on the grass species.
Read our article, How Short to Cut Grass Before Winter, to learn more.
Why is the last mow of the season so important?
Because if you leave your grass long before winter comes, it becomes more susceptible to snow mold, meadow voles, and diseases.
When does grass grow back in spring?
In Pennsylvania, grass grows back when soil temperatures are between 40 and 45°F, which is between late March and early April.
Lawn Love does it right
Knowing when to stop mowing your lawn helps it grow back green and lush once spring arrives. But that’s not all you need to do. Aeration, dethatching, and fertilizing also prepare your lawn for the cold. It’s a lot, but you don’t have to do it alone. Contact a Lawn Love professional and have us winterize your lawn for you.
Main Image Credit: Smole | Adobe Stock Free | License
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