When to stop cutting lawn before winter: Best time to stop mowing or risk damage to grass

Mowing the grass is one of the most backbreaking chores in the garden, but gardeners can rejoice as it is almost time to put away the mower for the rest of the year.

Is it important to know the best time to stop cutting the lawn before winter as it will stop growing and cutting it too short will have damaging consequences for the grass.

James Ewens, a gardening expert from Green Feathers, has shared that anyone continuing to cut their grass at the wrong time will stress it out and likely make it thinner once the weather heats up again.

Speaking to the Express, James said: “While it’s not a hard and fast rule, if gardeners cut their grass too late in the year – after it has gone dormant – then they risk damaging the blades and roots, making the lawn more susceptible to diseases, pests, and winter damage.

“Effectively, one cut too late could undo all the hard work you’ve done over the past spring and summer!”

Grass also stores nutrients in its roots during winter, and cutting grass once it has gone dormant will reduce those reserves and reduce its ability to photosynthesise.

This means grass may be brittle or yellowing once spring arrives and it will take some work for it to become its lush green self again.

How to know when to stop cutting grass before winter

It is best to stop cutting grass once the average temperature in your region falls below 10C as the shorter daylight hours will significantly slow down how much the grass grows.

James said: “To determine when to stop mowing your lawn for the season, look for signs like slowed growth, changes in leaf colour on nearby trees, and a consistent height of blades, while paying close attention to weather patterns.

“If frost is in the forecast, your grass will need a few weeks to strengthen its roots and prepare for winter dormancy.”

Why do people in the UK need to stop cutting grass at different times in the year?

Gardners across the UK will need to stop cutting their grass at different times due to the differences in climate, as people in coastal regions may have milder winters than those inland.

James said: “The goal should be to give your lawn one last cut before it goes dormant – which is impacted by the factors mentioned above along with the type of grass – but after it has stopped growing significantly.

“By timing your last cut of the year perfectly, your law can enter the winter season with a healthy and lush appearance and a strong root system, laying the foundations for healthy growth and a quick recovery in spring.”