Cutting the grass is one of the most annoying jobs in the garden, but gardeners can rejoice that it’s almost time to put the mower away for the rest of the year.
Is it important to know the best time to stop mowing the lawn before winter because it stops growing and cutting it too short has damaging consequences for the grass.
James Ewens, horticultural specialist at Green Feathers, has said that anyone who keeps cutting the grass at the wrong time will stress it and it will likely thin out when the weather warms up again.
Speaking to the Express, James said: “Although it’s not a hard and fast rule, if gardeners cut the grass too late in the year – after it has gone dormant – they can damage the blades and roots, making the lawn more vulnerable to disease, pests and winter damage.
“Effectively, one cut too late could undo all the hard work you’ve done this past spring and summer!”
Grass also stores nutrients in its roots during the winter, and cutting grass after dormancy reduces these reserves and weakens its ability to photosynthesize.
This means that the grass may be brittle or yellow by the time spring arrives, and will take some work to become its verdant self again.
How to know when to stop mowing the lawn before winter
It is best to stop mowing when the average temperature in your area drops below 10 C, as the shorter daylight hours significantly slow down grass growth.
James said: “To determine when to stop mowing for the season, look for signs such as stunted growth, leaf color changes on nearby trees and consistent blade height, while paying close attention to weather conditions.
“If frost is in the forecast, the grass needs a few weeks to strengthen its roots and prepare for winter dormancy.”
Why do people in the UK have to stop cutting their grass at different times of the year?
UK gardeners have to stop mowing at different times due to climate differences, as people on the coast may have milder winters than inland.
James said: “The aim should be to give the lawn a final cut before it goes dormant – affected by the above factors and the type of grass – but after it has stopped growing significantly.
“By timing your last cut of the year perfectly, your bark can enter the winter season with a healthy and lush appearance and a strong root system, laying the foundation for healthy growth and rapid recovery in the spring.”
When to stop mowing before winter depends on where you live in the UK
London – end of October
Bristol – End of October
Manchester – Late October to early November
Birmingham – late October to early November
Leeds – late October to early November
Liverpool – late October to early November
Newcastle – late October to early November
Glasgow – late October to early November
Edinburgh – from late October to early November
Cardiff – end of October
