Winter Is Right Around The Corner: Here’s How To Know When It’s Time For Your Last Lawn Mow Of The Fall
The smell of freshly cut grass is a nostalgic scent that takes us right back to sunny afternoons and weekend BBQs.
But as the days get shorter and we trade our flip-flops for cozy socks, it’s time to think about wrapping up our lawn care routine for the year.
Knowing when to perform that final mow is a bit like knowing when to say “when” at a dinner party; timing is everything.
Mow too early, and you could stunt your lawn’s growth. Mow too late, and you’re inviting a whole host of problems like disease and pest infestations.
So, how do you strike that perfect balance? Keep reading to learn more about the signs that it’s time to give your lawnmower a well-deserved break, how to handle the last mow like a pro, and what to do to keep your lawn happy through the winter months.
Signs It’s Nearly Time For The Last Cut
You’re not the only one who can feel that winter is coming; your grass senses it, too. But how can you really tell when it’s time to store that lawnmower away?
A general guideline is that when daytime temperatures consistently drop below 60°F, the grass starts to enter its winter dormancy stage. However, there’s a bit more to it than that. Here are some more detailed signs to look for.
First, you know how we get sluggish in cold weather, preferring the comfort of our homes and warm beverages? Well, grass is no different. It slows its growth as temperatures dip.
Ermolaev Alexandr – stock.adobe.com- illustrative purposes only
If you find you need to mow your lawn less frequently—say, you’ve gone from every week to every other week—it’s a sign that the grass is slowing down.
Additionally, your lawn loves sunlight. But, when there’s less of it, photosynthesis slows down.
So, once you notice that it’s getting darker earlier and your evening walks are becoming a bit more brisk, keep an eye on your lawn. Reduced sunlight is another cue for your grass to prepare for dormancy.
Also, during the warmer months, you might have needed to water your lawn pretty regularly to keep it looking lush. But in the fall, the soil retains moisture for longer periods, thanks to lower temperatures and less intense sunlight.
If you notice that the ground stays damp for longer than usual, it’s another signal that the active growing season is coming to an end.
And as the season transitions, you might notice frost appearing in the mornings. This is a big sign that your grass is almost ready to go into hibernation mode. Frosts mean that the ground temperature is dropping, which is a strong indicator that it’s time to start wrapping up your lawn care for the year.
Lastly, know your grass type. Cool-season grasses like fescue or Kentucky bluegrass might actually have spurts of growth in the fall, while warm-season varieties like Bermuda or Zoysia will slow down considerably. Knowing what kind of grass you have can help you better gauge when to plan that final mow.
Tips For Your Last Mow Of The Year
Now, you’ve decided that it is time for that final mow. But don’t just go hacking away at your lawn like it’s any other summer afternoon!
The last cut is special. Aim to leave your grass at about 2 to 2.5 inches in height. Cutting it too short can leave it vulnerable to winter diseases and frost damage while leaving it too long can create a habitat for pests.
And make sure to keep those mower blades sharp. The last thing you want is to give your grass a bad haircut before its winter nap.
Keeping Your Grass Happy After The Last Cut
Just because the mower’s put away doesn’t mean you’re not off the hook yet.
Your grass still needs some TLC to get through the winter. Think of this as prepping it for hibernation.
A little bit of fertilizer can give it the nutrients needed to stay strong during the cold months. Also, keep an eye out for fallen leaves.
While they might give off those cozy autumn vibes, they can smother your lawn and create wet spots that are prone to diseases.
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