How To Know When You Should Stop Mowing Your Lawn

When caring for your lawn this fall, you may be unsure when to stop cutting your grass. Depending on where you live, the weather, and what type of grass you have, you'll have to plan your last mow of the season for different times. In general, the best time for your final mow of the year is once your grass has ceased growing. For example, warm-season grasses will typically stop growing before cool-season varieties, and the temperature of the soil will determine if it's time to cut your grass one last time.

Though some believe that you can stop mowing after the first frost of the year, this can be a mistake to avoid when maintaining your yard in the fall. Sometimes fall temperatures rise again, even after an initial frost, and your grass will keep growing despite the previous cold front. In some cases, several frosts may happen before some grass types stop growing. This occurs especially with cool-season grasses. By paying attention to the soil temperature, how fast the leaves are falling off nearby trees, and if your grass is growing, you can figure out the perfect time to stop mowing your lawn before winter. When you mow your lawn for the last time, you'll want to make sure you're cutting it at an appropriate height for winter.

Generally, watching your grass is the easiest way to tell when to mow for the last time. If you've noticed that it's growing more slowly and you can wait longer between each cutting, this indicates that your grass will likely stop growing soon. Alternatively, you might check on soil temperatures to be certain your grass is going dormant for the year. While cool-season grasses typically won't enter this stage until the soil is regularly 45 degrees Fahrenheit, warm-season varieties tend to cease growing when the temperature is 55 degrees. For those that are still unsure, look at the leaves falling from the trees in your neighborhood. When the trees have lost about half of their leaves or more, your grass is also likely preparing for dormancy.

Leading up to your final mow, it's best to start slowly lowering the height of your grass by ⅓ each time you cut it. While you can keep your grass a bit taller in the summer, the right length to mow your lawn will be shorter before winter. During your final mow, it's best to take your grass down to about 2 to 2 ½ inches in length to try to prevent snow mold and other diseases. Taller winter grass can also provide shelter for small animals in winter, bringing rodents closer to your home. By cutting your grass for the last time this year at the right height and at the right time, you'll ensure it's healthy when spring finally arrives.