Autumn has now arrived and one of the most important tasks gardeners can do is begin preparing their lawns for cold weather to ensure the grass stays healthy long-term.

Keeping the lawn mowed may seem obvious, but it is crucial to do it in October as it helps more sunlight reach the grass, so that the roots grow stronger and more resistant for winter. 

Joe, an expert and founder of Joe’s Lawncare, has shared that mowing may seem easy enough but many gardeners unintentionally make a “major mistake” that can severely damage their lawn. 

He said: “You see, before you get all excited by the prospect of mowing, the smell of cut grass and the sight of super-neat lawn, we need to reveal the biggest lawn care mistake known to man so that you don’t make it.

“Yeah. That’s right. We are, of course, talking about mowing your grass too short.”

Why is cutting the grass short bad for your lawn in autumn? 

A lot of people cut their grass short as they believe it means they will not have to mow for a little while longer, but it actually severely damages the grass and will lead to needing more care in the future. 

Joe said: “Shorter lawns means shorter blades of grass, and the less blades of grass, the less photosynthesis, which means a whole lot less roots and shoots. It’s science, man. And that’s from cutting it less than a couple of inches.” 

Cutting the grass too short will slow down grass growth as it will reduce the surface area available for sunlight, which will lead to shallower and weakened roots.

Weakened grass will not be able to properly store the nutrients it needs to survive winter so will likely struggle to regrow again once the weather heats up again, leading to thin, patchy and yellowing grass in spring. 

Taller grass also acts as an insulation to protect the roots from cold and frost damage in winter and scalped lawns will be much more exposed in winter which can lead to them being seriously damaged or even dying completely. 

How to prevent this mistake and not cut the grass too short

The best way to make sure the grass is a suitable length is to simply set your mower blades higher, according to Joe. 

Joe said: “That’s the simplest answer. We’re talking somewhere between three and three and a half inches. That’s, as they say, the magic number. 

“Mowing the lawn once a week at this height will give your grass a stress-free life and make your lawn look visibly healthier.”

Make sure to also not remove more than one-third of the grass blade height while mowing as well as it allows the grass to avoid becoming stressed. 

While having long grass may not look as neat as other lawns, it will keep it healthier which will lead to thicker and greener once spring arrives. 

Joe added: “It’s not just an aesthetical win because a long lawn brings a whole plethora of benefits with it. Your grass becomes better at photosynthesis. The roots grow longer and deeper. The growth of the shoots gets way better. 

“Your lawn becomes a sort of drought-fighting ninja that is incredible at doing battle against infestation and heat and over-watering. You’ll also have denser turf that will bully any weeds trying to sneak into the inner circle.”