Lawncare specialists disclose the precise moment you should mow grass following winter
Katie Sims, a freelance writer who has been contributing to our platform's digital team since 2022, specializes in creating content about homes and gardens. In her latest piece, she shares insights from gardening experts on the best time to mow your lawn after winter.
Soil Temperature and Grass Growth
Soil temperature is a critical factor when deciding to mow your lawn for the first time in spring. Experts advise waiting until the soil temperature consistently stays above 50°F (10°C) to avoid stressing dormant grass. Grass growth observation is equally important; do not mow too early when grass is still dormant or wet. Wait until grass is dry to ensure a clean cut and prevent damage.
Regional Variation
The timing of the first lawn mowing after winter can vary depending on location, grass type, and weather conditions. In northern areas with cool-season grasses, spring mowing starts later as growth restarts after winter dormancy. Warm-season grasses in milder climates may start growing earlier, allowing for an earlier first cut.
Visual Checks and Mowing Techniques
If you don't want to test your feet, you can do a visual check of the grass to see if it stands up straight and is not flattened by rain. It's best to mow the lawn at the very highest setting for the first cut of the year to avoid damaging the grass.
Expert Recommendations
Sean Lade, director of Easy Garden Irrigation, suggests that the best time to start cutting grass again is when it has started to grow. The experts at The Grass People recommend waiting until temperatures are consistently above 8 degrees before mowing the lawn after winter. Monty Don, a well-known gardening enthusiast, waits until June to mow his lawn for the first time after winter.
Preparing Your Lawn for Spring
To recover your lawn after winter, gardening experts recommend inspecting your lawn, raking it of debris, aerating it, scarifying it, removing weeds, overseeding it, and fertilizing it.
Timing Your First Cut
While the general consensus for when to cut grass after winter is to wait until at least March, with some experts recommending April, it's essential to monitor soil temperature and grass growth rather than relying on a specific calendar date. Aim to mow for the first time in spring when soil temps exceed 50°F, grass is visibly growing, and conditions are dry. This timing reduces stress on the lawn and promotes healthy growth for the season ahead.
Regional Differences
The south of England should hopefully start to see favorable conditions at the beginning of March, whereas those in the north of Scotland might have to wait quite a bit longer. It's always best to check the ground regularly for signs of frost to determine if it's a good time to mow the lawn after winter. Frosts can damage grass blades and increase disease, so it's best to wait until they have passed before mowing.
Conclusion
By following these expert tips, you can ensure a healthy start to your lawn's growth this spring, promoting a lush and vibrant lawn throughout the season. Happy mowing!
Katie Sims' latest piece in the home-and-garden category delves into the optimum time for lawn mowing after winter, emphasizing the significance of soil temperature and grass growth. The writer highlights that gardeners should wait until grass growth is visible and soil temperatures consistently surpass 50°F to avoid damaging dormant grass, even though the first mow of the year could ideally be in March or April.
Regarding gardening practices, homeowners might find it useful to incorporate regular soil temperature checks, visual lawn inspections, and adopting proper mowing techniques as part of their lifestyle this spring. This approach will ultimately help maintain a healthy and thriving lawn.
