Grass cutting in autumn and winter, should you do it? Many people believe that once summer is over, you should be packing your lawnmower away, not to be touched until the following year.
In actual fact, grass can grow all throughout autumn and even into winter, depending on weather conditions. Meaning yes, you should be cutting your grass year-round, provided you follow a few simple rules.
The golden rules
- Unlike spring and summer, don’t cut on a set schedule; instead, mow only when there’s visible growth. Essentially, the rule for autumn and winter is if the grass is still growing, cut it.
- Make sure you check the ground first. If the soil is too wet and soggy, then it’s best to avoid, as you’ll risk damaging the turf or compacting the soil.
- A big no for winter is that you must never mow on frozen ground; frozen grass blades are brittle and can shatter, leaving brown patches across your garden.
- Finally, avoid cutting before a frost, as freshly cut tips are more susceptible to frost damage.
Tips for autumn and winter mowing
- Raise the mower blade: you want to avoid mowing too short; instead, leave the grass a little longer to protect roots and help it to withstand the colder conditions.
- Keep blades sharp: if your blades are blunt, they’ll damage the grass by tearing it, ultimately making it more vulnerable to disease.
- Remove clippings: you’ll need to ensure that leaves and debris don’t smother the lawn by raking or collecting clippings, helping air and light reach the grass.
Four benefits of year-round maintenance
- You’ll keep your lawn looking tidy even during the colder months (that view from your kitchen window will be worth it).
- It promotes a healthier, denser lawn and also reduces the growth of weeds and moss.
- By opting for year-round maintenance, you’ll have less of a job to tackle in the spring as you won’t be dealing with an overgrown or damaged lawn.
- A beautiful lawn isn’t just for summer. Of course, we spend most of our time in our green spaces when the weather is warmer, but your garden (and its lawn) should be a year-round investment.
Need someone to lend a helping hand this autumn and winter to get your grass cut in Northampton? Get in touch today to find out how we can support.
