Garden and lawn maintenance generally slows down when the weather gets colder. At the height of summer, plants grow and thrive just like grass, requiring frequent mowing. People looking for a respite from lawn care will be happy when temperatures drop, usually signaling a break from outdoor chores. But when you should relax and put away your lawn equipment depends on several factors, including geographic region, climate and type of grass.

We spoke with three lawn experts to find out when to stop mowing the lawn, the signs that the last cut is approaching, and why mowing in cold weather can damage your lawn.

When to Stop Mowing the Lawn

As the weather cools, plants and grass slow down their growth cycle. The type of grass and where you live will influence grass growth in cooler weather. “The climate or region one lives in can greatly influence when to stop mowing,” says Erin Harlow, Horticultural Extension Agent III, University of Florida/IFAS Columbia County Extension. Mowing usually takes a back seat during the colder months as some grass varieties go dormant while others slow their growth. “Many of our grasses found in lawns grow based on soil temperature, not necessarily air temperature,” she says. “If the temperature stays warmer for longer, the plants continue to grow and may need to be tended to.” Typically, there is one last cut or mowing of the season before temperatures drop and it becomes too cold to mow.

Cool Season or Warm Season Grass

There are two types of grasses: cool season and warm season. Geographic location will influence whether you grow cool-season or warm-season turf varieties. Warm-season grass grows in warm to warm climates and often stops growing when cold temperatures arrive. “In Texas, lack of precipitation can cause turfgrass species to become dormant, as can cold, freezing weather,” Elizabeth McMahon, Gillespie County AgriLife Extension Horticultural agent.

“Warm-season turf grasses typically go dormant during the winter months,” says Harlow. “If they are in zones 9B-11, they may not remain dormant at all.”

Cool season grass can continue to grow in cooler weather. “Cool-season turf may need to be maintained for a longer period of time because it continues to grow during the winter months and stays green,” says Harlow. “It will of course depend on the weather conditions.”

Geographic region and final cup of the season

Geographic location is a key factor when preparing for the final cup of the season. “Climate and region will dictate the species of turfgrass you grow, and different warm-season turfgrasses have different dormant periods,” says McMahon.

If you are in a warmer region, you may not have much time to trim grass compared to colder geographic areas. “In southern regions or areas with mild winters, such as Florida, Texas or parts of California, warm-season (grass) varieties such as Bermuda or St. Augustine may continue to grow longer until in the fall and even winter,” says Valerie Smith. , content strategist Turf Solutions. As long as the grass continues to grow, mowing should continue. “It may not be necessary to stop mowing completely, but the frequency will decrease as temperatures drop and growth slows,” she says.

Where the weather is colder, plants slow their growth or stop altogether. “In colder northern regions or areas with harsh winters, such as the Midwest or Northeast, grass growth stops earlier in the fall,” says Smith. “Cool-season grasses like fescue or Kentucky bluegrass, common in these areas, also slow down as temperatures drop.” When grass stops growing, usually after the first frost, mowing should stop, she says.

What you need to know for the final edit

When preparing the last cut of the season, the type of grass will influence the height to be cut. “Mowing below the recommended height can scalp the plant, causing serious damage and stress,” says Harlow. The final cut requires a balance between not cutting too short or leaving it too high. “It is not recommended to let turf grow taller than the recommended height, as it can shade out and become thin and brown underneath,” says Harlow. The best way to ensure grass is cut and left at the correct height is to know the species of grass and cut it to the recommended mowing height.

How tall for warm season grass

Warm-season turf, like St. Augustine’s, should be cut between 2.5 and 4 inches, Harlow says. Smith recommends cutting warm-season varieties, including Bermuda, St. Augustine and Zoysia, a half-inch higher than usual for the final cut. “Leaving the grass slightly taller helps protect the base of the blades and runners from frost, creating a barrier that protects growing areas from cold damage,” she says. Avoid cutting it too short, as this could leave the grass vulnerable to cold and frost and potentially damage the lawn, she adds.

How tall for cool season grass

“For cool-season grasses like fescue or Kentucky bluegrass, the grass should be cut about half an inch shorter than normal for final mowing,” says Smith. This helps the grass handle colder temperatures and prevents knots, which can lead to snow mold, she adds.

Signs that the last mowing is approaching

Several signals signal that it is time to do the last mowing before winter:

Check the ground temperature

A handy way to know when the last cut is approaching is to check the soil temperature. “For cool-season grasses, growth generally ceases when soil temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C),” says Smith.

Cooler temperatures

The weather is a good indicator of the change of season. “Grass growth generally slows considerably as temperatures drop,” says Smith. This happens for cool-season grasses when temperatures drop. “If you notice that your grass is no longer growing quickly, it may be time for a final mowing,” she says.

Falling leaves

Leaves begin to fall with cooler weather. A visual cue is when there are a lot of leaves on your lawn. “This often indicates that your lawn is entering its dormant period,” says Smith.

Know when the first frosts are coming

The last cut must be made before the first frost. Weather conditions change, so you may not be able to rely on your calendar, but watch out for frost forecasts. “It’s advisable to mow at least a week before the first hard freeze hits your area,” says Smith. “This helps ensure the grass is at an optimal height to withstand winter.”

Why you don’t want to mow in cold weather

When the weather turns cold, most plants slow their growth or stop growing altogether until the weather warms again. If it’s cold outside, you’ll probably prefer to be cozy indoors rather than running the lawn mower. The lawn also wants to be left alone. “Mowing when temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C) can seriously stress the grass,” says Smith. “At these temperatures, grass growth slows significantly and its ability to recover after mowing is compromised.” This can make the grass more susceptible to disease.

The blades of grass are more fragile and brittle in the cold. “Mowing in these conditions can result in torn or pulled blades, leaving an unsightly lawn and increasing susceptibility to pathogens,” says Smith.

Avoid mowing wet or frozen grass

Mowing when the lawn is frozen or wet can damage the grass. Once temperatures drop, leave the lawn alone. “Mowing over frozen or excessively wet soil can cause compaction, which limits the movement of air, water and nutrients to the roots,” says Smith. “This compaction stresses the turf and harms its growth potential when it resumes in the spring.” Mowing in wet conditions, whether from rain, dew or frost, can also create uneven cuts that can weaken the turf and make it more susceptible to disease, she explains.

As a general rule, mow the lawn only when it is dry. The temperature is also important before taking out the mower. “Wait until the temperature reaches at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit before mowing,” says Smith.