Knowing the signs and rules for the last mow of the season will keep your lawn healthy.
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Garden and lawn maintenance typically slow down when the weather cools down.
In the height of summer, plants grow and thrive as does the grass, requiringfrequent mowing.
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The grass punch in and where you live will influence grass growth in cooler weather.
Cool-Season Or Warm-Season Grass
There are two types of grassesthe cool-season and the warm-season.
Geographical location will influence whether you grow cool-season or warm-season turf varieties.
Warm-season grass grows in warm to hot climates and often stops growing when cold temperatures hit.
“Warm season turf grasses generally go dormant during the winter months,” says Harlow.
“If they are in Zones 9B -11, they may not go dormant at all.”
Cool-season grass may continue to grow in cooler weather.
“This will, of course, depend on weather conditions.”
As long as the grass keeps growing, mowing needs to continue.
Where the weather is colder, plants slow down their growth or stop completely.
When the grass stops growing, usually after the first frost, mowing should stop, she says.
The last cut requires a balance of not cutting too short or leaving it too tall.
Cooler Temperatures
The weather is a good indicator that the season is shifting.
“Grass growth typically slows significantly as temperatures drop,” says Smith.
This happens for cool-season grasses when temperatures lower.
Falling Leaves
Leaves begin to fall with cooler weather.
A visual cue is when there are plenty of leaves on your lawn.
“It often signals that your lawn is entering its dormancy period,” says Smith.
Know When The First Frost Hits
The last cut should be done before the first frost comes.
“This helps ensure that the grass is at an optimal height for winter resilience.”
The lawn also wants to be left alone.
“Mowing when temperatures drop below 40F (4C) can severely stress the grass, " says Smith.
This can cause grass to be more susceptible to diseases.
Grass blades are more fragile and brittle in the cold.
Once temperatures drop, leave the lawn alone.
“This compaction stresses the grass and hinders its growth potential when it resumes in the spring.”
As a rule of thumb, only mow the lawn when it’s dry.
Temperature is also important before you bring out the mower.
“Wait until temperatures are at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit before mowing,” says Smith.
