Gardeners are being reminded to complete four essential lawn jobs before giving their grass its final cut of the season, with the timing of that last trim potentially later than usual this year.
Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress, has shared guidance on how to know when it is time to stop cutting the lawn and give it its final trim. In October, the garden starts to wind down as temperatures drop, daylight hours become shorter, and grass and other plants grow much more slowly.
Why the final cut matters
The final cut of the lawn is more important than people think, as the lawn needs to be left at a suitable height to cope with colder weather. Cutting it too short can make the grass weak, expose the soil, and leave it vulnerable to winter stress. Leaving it too long can cause the grass to become flat under rain and snow, increasing the risk of damp conditions and fungal diseases.
Ideally, gardeners should aim to leave the lawn with a slightly higher cut than in the summer. As a general guide, 4-5cm is fine. If the grass has grown considerably and has not been cut, avoid cutting it drastically short in one go and do it in separate sessions instead, as it can stress and weaken the lawn.
When to make the final cut
Many people think they should stop mowing after the first frost, but it is not necessarily a strict cutoff date. Grass can still grow in mild winter weather, so it might still need an occasional trim if conditions allow.
The last cut is usually around late October or November, depending on the weather. Gardeners should keep an eye on when the grass has noticeably slowed its growth and cut it before persistent cold, wet or frosty conditions hit. Since October has been fairly mild so far, the final cut may be around mid- to late November this year instead. Monitor the lawn and let the weather make the decision.
Four essential jobs before the final cut
Now is a great time for gardeners to improve the health of their lawn before trimming. Aim to tackle compacted soil by aerating the lawn and repairing bare patches. Avoid carrying out any maintenance work if the ground is waterlogged.
- Rake leaves: Rake away any leaves that have fallen onto the lawn. A buildup of leaves can prevent the lawn from receiving sunlight and can also trap water and moisture.
- Aerate the lawn: If the grass is suffering from compaction, aerate these sections with a garden fork to allow the lawn to breathe again.
- Give the grass its final dose of fertiliser: Autumn is the last time to fertilise the lawn for the year. Opting for a slow-release fertiliser will help the lawn develop strong roots and provide it with the essential nutrients it needs to survive the winter.
- Limit foot traffic: Try to minimise how much you walk on the grass during the final part of the year, especially when it is frosty. Heavy foot traffic while the grass is frozen can damage the blades and compress the grass and soil.
