Gardeners have been urged to give their lawns one final mow this October before putting their gardening tools away for the colder months. The simple job could help keep lawns tidy, but choosing the right day to do it is important.
Expert advice on the final autumn cut
Craig Wilson, co-founder and in-house gardening expert at Gardeners Dream, has shared some of the jobs gardeners should be doing this month. Among his recommendations is giving the lawn what he describes as one final mow before winter.
"Give your lawn one final mow this month, before leaving it for the winter. Make sure you wait for a day when the weather is dry," he said.
The advice is backed up by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), which says lawns may still need mowing during mild October weather because grass continues to grow when temperatures remain above 7C. It recommends using a slightly higher cutting height than in summer.
When to avoid mowing
However, gardeners should not feel they have to cut their grass simply because the calendar has reached October. The RHS says mowing should depend on the growth rate of the lawn and advises against cutting when the grass or soil is very wet or the ground is frozen.
The conditions underfoot are particularly important during autumn, when heavier rain can leave gardens increasingly damp. Mowing saturated soil can cause compaction and leave muddy wheel tracks, according to the RHS.
Tips for a healthy lawn
Gardeners should also avoid cutting too much grass in one go, with the RHS advising that no more than one-third of the grass height should be removed. For ordinary domestic lawns, it recommends keeping grass around 40mm high during spring and autumn.
October is also a useful month for other lawn maintenance, including clearing fallen leaves so they do not block light and moisture from reaching the grass. The RHS also lists autumn lawn care among the jobs that can be carried out when the weather and soil conditions are suitable.
So while there is no strict date when every lawn needs its final cut, October can be a good opportunity to check whether yours needs one more trim. Wait for a dry day, avoid waterlogged or frosty grass and raise the mower height if necessary before giving the lawn its autumn tidy-up.
