Lawns are a primary focus for gardeners throughout summer but as it comes to an end, the attention should shift to other kinds of maintenance.
Raking leaves and keeping weeds at bay is one thing to think about in addition to an important question – when to stop mowing the grass.
As the days get colder and leaves start to fall from the trees, grass will slow down in growth. Gardening expert Fiona Jenkins at MyJobQuote.co.uk has shared the exact time to make the last cut in your garden.
She said: “As the seasons change, you will start to notice the growth of your grass begins slowing down.
“When the first frost comes along, this is usually a clear sign that it’s time to put your mower in storage until the following spring.”
According to Fiona, it’s “best” to stop mowing your lawn in autumn. She elaborated: “The last cut should be between late September and late October. The timeframes can vary depending on your location in the UK and the climate in your area.
“For a more accurate timeframe, I would advise you to pay close attention to your lawn to determine when is best for the last cut.”
A a general rule, the clearest sign to make the last cut is when the grass has ceased growing and the ground is still dry.
Gardeners should continue to mow the lawn every week or two until the grass stops growing.
Technique is also important according to Fiona. She suggested: “For the last cut of the season, you want to make sure you cut your grass as short as you possibly can.
“The lawn may still grow slightly for a while after the last cut before the frost stunts the growth. If you cut your grass short, this will prevent the need for any further cuts until next year, even if the lawn does grow slightly.”
As for what to do until the final cut needs to be made, Fiona said that it’s a “brilliant time to get rid of any unsightly weeds from your lawn”.
Doing the groundwork on unwanted growth now will effectively “stop them in their tracks”, and avoid a bigger weeding job when spring comes around.
Additionally, edge-trimming is another worthy task. Fiona explained: “When the edges are well looked after, they will provide a barrier for your plant roots, preventing weeds or flowers from sprouting on your lawn.”
