As the winter months set in, lawns across the country begin to slow down. Growth tapers off as daylight fades and soil temperatures cool. But the real question is: when can you finally put the mower away?
“If you are a place where the temps get below 50 degrees during the winter months, you’ll start to see the grass slow down and eventually go dormant,” said Lou Manfredini, Ace Hardware’s Home Expert. “Once all the leaves fall from the trees and you've raked them all up, give the lawn one last cutting. Most likely late October.”
If you're carving out time to winterize your lawn mower for the season and call it a year, take these tips into account first.
1. Mowing Still Matters
Even as growth slows, a few last cuts can protect your turf. Keeping grass trimmed in late fall helps your lawn:
- Stay at a uniform height that supports strong roots
- Resist matting and common fungal diseases like snow mold
- Absorb sunlight before dormancy
- Avoid excess moisture that leads to winter kill
Most lawns do best with a final cut of about 2.5–3 inches. "One notch down on your mower from where you usually cut at is good," explains Manfredini. That height is long enough to shield the crown, yet short enough to reduce matting under snow.
2. Temperature Matters
Timing your last mow isn’t just about the calendar. It’s about conditions on the ground. Grass growth usually slows once soil temperature dips to the 50–60°F range. That often lines up with daytime highs in the cool temperatures of fall.
If you’re not sure, a soil temperature map can give a clear signal. In warmer regions where frost is rare, you’ll know it’s time to stop when your lawn height stays the same for a week or two.
One caution: resist the urge to scalp the lawn before winter. Cutting too low leaves grass crowns exposed and vulnerable to burn and disease.
3. Managing Fall Leaves Matters
Manfredini cautions against leaving leaves and clippings on the turf. A thick layer can block sunlight, trap moisture, and encourage fungal growth. That’s a recipe for snow mold.
Raking is one option, but mulching leaves back into the soil is another. This not only clears the turf but also returns nutrients, giving your seasonal lawn a boost heading into winter.
Cool-Season vs. Warm-Season Grasses
Not all turf types behave the same. Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass stay active longer into the fall, so they need mowing later. In contrast, warm-season grasses such as Bermuda grass slow much earlier once cool-season turf conditions set in.
Knowing your grass types helps you match mowing to growth cycles instead of just watching the calendar.
If you aren't sure what you need for your lawn, ask around locally. Ace YardRx is one service that provides regionally optimized treatments that complement steps like your last mow.
Lawn Equipment Check
Once mowing is done, it’s time to care for your tools. Clean and store your lawn mower or sharpen blades (we shared tips for sharpening reel mowers, as well as push and riding mowers).
If you own a StaySharp Max Reel Mower, give the mowing deck a once-over before storage.
A little prep extends the life of your lawn equipment.
FAQ
Should I fertilize my lawn in the fall?
Yes. Winter fertilization builds stronger roots and stores nutrients for spring. Choose a blend higher in potassium rather than nitrogen.
Can I mow wet grass if there’s heavy dew or light rain?
It’s better to wait. Wet blades clump, block airflow, and create disease risk. Experts in lawn care suggest that if the grass is damp but not soaked, wait until mid-morning when dew has dried, or opt for an afternoon cut when the air temperature is warmer and conditions are drier.
