November is the final opportunity for UK gardeners to mow their lawn before winter sets in. While sowing grass seed is no longer practical, one essential task remains possible, at least during the first two weeks of the month.
Expert Advice on November Lawn Care
William Mitchell, gardener and owner of Sutton Manor Nursery, has shared his top 10 gardening jobs for November, urging gardeners to "continue to mow the lawn." He explained, "You would not be alone in thinking that lawns do not grow over the colder months. However, you would be wrong. Even in the colder months, just slightly slow down."
The gardening specialist cautioned that failing to mow your lawn can not only become a "huge eyesore" for your outdoor space, but could also lead to long-term damage. He noted: "Letting your lawn grow to a height beyond three inches is where problems may occur; this is because at this height the grass will struggle to hold itself up. It will then begin to droop onto the surrounding grass and smother it. This can cause the moisture to be trapped, which can result in diseases spreading and fungi."
How to Mow Your Lawn in November
As late autumn arrives, dropping temperatures cause grass growth to slow significantly, meaning "you can get away with mowing the lawn every couple of weeks." It is recommended to raise the mower blade to prevent damaging the grass plant, which is responsible for carrying the food.
Cutting too short risks causing "permanent damage to the grass." Where possible, steer clear of mowing while the lawn is wet, as your mower may struggle to gain traction, potentially tearing the grass blades. This leads to an uneven finish, weakens the lawn, and creates an entry point for fungal spores, leaving your grass highly vulnerable to disease. Moreover, wet soil compacts readily underfoot, and should this happen, the ground becomes dense, hindering effective water drainage and likely resulting in waterlogging, leaving your grass struggling to breathe.
When Is the Last Time to Mow Your Lawn?
Rather than sticking to a set date for the final cut of the season, gardeners are advised to use temperature as their guide instead. Given the UK's cooler climate and high levels of rainfall, lawns are typically made up of cool-season grass varieties. These flourish in temperatures ranging from 10C to 24C, with growth essentially stopping when temperatures consistently fall below 7C.
Throughout the colder months, gradually reduce your mowing frequency as grass growth starts to slow. Mowing your lawn too frequently without allowing adequate time for recovery can result in scalping, leading to bare and lifeless patches. The lawn specialists at Online Turf noted that the final cut should coincide with the grass ceasing its growth. They explained: "If your grass has already stopped growing completely, it is too late to mow, and you should wait until it starts growing again in the spring before mowing."
What Should You Do After the Last Mow?
Once the final cut is complete, there is one simple yet worthwhile task to carry out — applying a winter fertiliser. To bolster frost resistance and guard against disease, treat your lawn with a fertiliser specifically designed for autumn or winter application, doing so before the ground freezes over.
Ideally, this should be done while soil temperature remains above 7C for the best outcome. The fertiliser ought to contain high levels of potassium and low levels of nitrogen. Where possible, choose a feed that also includes iron sulphate. This will afford your lawn added protection against harsh weather and improve its appearance without encouraging unwanted growth.
