As autumn deepens, many homeowners are unsure what to do with their grass as sunshine fades and rain and leaves take over. A gardening expert has shared advice on timing the final lawn cut of the year to give grass its best chance when spring returns.
Temperature rule for the last mow
Craig Wilson, in-house gardening expert at Gardeners Dream, says a certain temperature is required before mowing at this time of year. He suggests mowing before the temperature drops to seven degrees and below, because this reduces the speed of growth. In turn, grass slows down over winter before picking back up to its typical growth speed around March.
Wilson advises mowing the lawn for the last time of the year anytime between late October and the end of November. However, because we now tend to experience much milder weather, this final mow can be pushed back a little later if needed.
Regional deadlines across the UK
For those living in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, the weather is predicted not to drop to seven degrees or below until December 8. Those in Scotland have their last chances come sooner, on December 4. This gives destinations across the UK plenty of time to do the big cut before it is deemed too late, with a slight difference of a matter of days.
Wilson explained: "Ultimately, my advice would always be to keep an eye on the weather as we head into November. You want to make sure your lawn is cut before the first frost hits; otherwise, you risk the chance of damaging your grass.
"Therefore, to be on the safe side, I would always cut my lawn just before the end of November, even if it's been a mild autumn, just in case the weather decides to change and temperatures drop quicker than previously predicted."
Longer cut and aftercare
In agreement with these timings, lawn mower brand Mammotion suggests October to early November is the best time to cut lawns, before the first frost, while leaving the length slightly longer. Their website claims that the goal for the final cut is "protection", and so the autumn cut should be longer at roughly four to five cm. This provides the lawn with a warm blanket for the soil and offers more protection to the "delicate crowns of the grass".
Wilson suggests that once the final cut is complete, he would recommend aerating the lawn in order to avoid waterlogging and compaction over winter. This can be achieved by spiking the lawn with a garden fork and allowing it to improve its need for drainage.
