Spring Lawn Mowing Guide: When and How to Start Your First Cut

Timing matters when it comes to that first spring mow. If you cut too early, you risk damaging tender new shoots. Wait too long, and overgrowth can lead to disease, matting, or patchy turf. 

Therefore, getting this timing right is the first step to a healthy, green lawn. This guide teaches you to spot the right signs, prep your equipment, and avoid common mistakes.

We’ll cover everything you need to know to start mowing confidently and give your lawn the best start to the season.

When Is the Right Time to Start Mowing in Spring?

Determining the right time for your first mow of the season is crucial for promoting a healthy, green lawn. Mowing too early can stress the grass, while waiting too long may be more challenging. 

According to Chrissie Handley, lawn care specialist and gardening expert at North West Turf Ltd., "It's important to wait until your grass is actively growing, but not too early, mowing too soon can stunt growth." 

You'll also want to wait until the grass has dried. "Mowing wet grass can lead to uneven cuts and even cause clumps that can smother the lawn," Handley adds. 

So, timing it right will help avoid stressing the grass and set you up for a healthy, thriving lawn throughout the warmer months.   

Signs That Your Lawn Is Ready

Before firing up the mower, check that your lawn is awake. These indicators suggest it’s ready for that first cut:

• Even if the lawn isn’t green, green tufts or patches appear.
• Soil temperature has reached at least 45°F for cool-season grasses or 55°F for warm-season grasses.
• Magnolia trees are blooming, which typically aligns with optimal soil warmth.
• Last fall’s long or matted grass may be suffocating new growth.

Assess the Conditions Before You Cut

Even if the grass grows, you’ll want to ensure the ground is ready too. Use these simple checks:

• Walk across the lawn: if the ground feels soft or soggy, wait.
• Ensure the grass is not wet to prevent clumping and root damage.
• Look for consistent daytime highs above 40°F, which supports steady new growth.

Only Start When Any Section Begins Growing

Not all parts of your lawn will grow at the same time. Sunny spots will warm and green up faster than shaded ones. Don’t wait for the entire lawn to catch up. 

Once any area grows, it’s time to mow the whole yard. This will also help train the grass to grow evenly throughout the season. However, it should be done only after considering some considerations. 

Considerations Before Mowing Your Lawn

Before you start mowing, it’s essential to evaluate a few key factors that affect the health and appearance of your lawn. Proper preparation helps ensure you don’t inadvertently damage your grass or soil. 

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1. Setting the Right Mowing Height

The optimal grass cutting height is essential because it protects your lawn from stress and supports healthy regrowth. 

Here’s what to aim for:   

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In addition, ensure that you never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single cut.  

2. Other Pre-mowing Preparations

Preparing your yard and mower ensures a clean cut, protects your equipment, and helps your lawn bounce back strong. Ensure that you are taking the following measures before your first cut:

1. Do a spring yard clean-up. Remove sticks, leaves, and any pet waste accumulated over winter.
2. Rake out matted or moldy grass to allow air and sunlight to reach new growth.
3. Sharpen mower blades to ensure a clean cut that won’t tear or stress the grass.
4. Inspect your mower for oil levels, tire pressure, and general wear.
5. Flag sprinkler heads, invisible fences, or shallow utility lines to avoid accidental damage.

Considering these key considerations, it’s also important to consider how frequently you should mow to maintain a healthy, vibrant lawn.

Adjusting Mowing Frequency

Grass growth can be slow at first, especially in early spring. But once it picks up, staying on top of mowing is key to a healthy, even lawn. Here's how to time your cuts for best results:

• Start With Bi-weekly Mowing: Your lawn may not grow fast enough in early spring to need a weekly cut. Mowing every two weeks helps manage early growth without stressing the grass.
• Switch to Weekly Mowing as Growth Increases: As temperatures warm and grass grows steadily, move to a weekly schedule. This keeps your lawn looking clean and prevents overgrowth between cuts.
• Keep Your Cuts Consistent: Regular mowing at the same height helps your lawn grow thicker and stronger. Avoid letting the grass get too tall before each mow. 

Adjusting your mowing frequency with the season keeps your grass healthy and easier to manage all year. When setting up a mowing schedule, it’s also vital that you mow your lawn with the proper technique. 

Best Practices for Early-Season Mows

Early in the season, carefully mowing helps your lawn recover from winter and grow strong. Follow these simple best practices to protect your grass and promote healthy growth:

• Mow Mid-Morning or Late Afternoon: Avoid mowing too early when frost is still present or during peak sun when grass is under stress. Mid-morning or late afternoon provides ideal conditions.
• Never Mow When the Lawn Is Wet or Frozen: If the grass is wet or frosty, it tears easily, leading to ragged cuts and increased disease risk. Wait until the lawn is dry and firm underfoot.
• Leave Grass Clippings on the Lawn: Grasscycling returns nutrients to the soil and helps keep moisture. As long as clippings are short and dry, they’ll break down quickly and benefit your turf.

Also, here’s a helpful Reddit thread with answers to this query from other homeowners like you.

Final Thoughts

Starting at the right time, using proper mowing height, and adjusting your routine as growth picks up will help your lawn stay thick, green, and healthy. Combine that with consistent care, and you’ll enjoy a lawn that looks great and holds up to foot traffic, weather, and summer heat.

At Percy’s Lawn Care and Son, we’ve been helping Buffalo, Amherst, and Cheektowaga homeowners take the guesswork out of seasonal lawn care since 1999. Whether preparing your lawn for spring, managing tricky weather, or maintaining a working mowing schedule, our team brings two generations of experience and personal attention to every yard.

We offer free consultations, reliable service, and tailored lawn care plans built for real results. Contact us today and let us handle the first cut and everything that follows so your lawn can grow stronger all year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)   

1. When is the best time to mow the lawn in spring?
Start mowing when your grass begins actively growing and soil temperatures consistently reach about 45°F for cool-season grasses or 55°F for warm-season varieties. This timing helps avoid stressing dormant grass and encourages healthy growth.

2. Should I mow my lawn if only certain areas are actively growing?
Yes. It’s best to mow the entire lawn evenly to prevent patches of tall grass from becoming overgrown and uneven. Regular mowing encourages uniform growth and reduces the risk of weeds taking hold.

3. Do I need to bag grass clippings in spring?
Generally, no. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn helps return valuable nutrients and moisture to the soil, improving lawn health. However, if clippings form thick mats or clumps, it’s best to remove them to prevent smothering.

4. What should I check before mowing for the first time each season?
Sharpen your mower blades to ensure clean cuts, which reduce stress and disease risk. Inspect your mower for maintenance needs, and clear your lawn of sticks, stones, and debris to avoid damage or injury.

5. Is mowing too early bad for the lawn?
Yes. Mowing dormant or slow-growing grass can cause undue stress, weakening the lawn’s health. Before your first mow, wait for clear signs of active growth, such as new green shoots and steady grass height increase.

6. Can mowing help control weeds in spring?
Absolutely. Regular mowing removes weed flowers before they seed and helps your grass outcompete unwanted plants, leading to a thicker, healthier lawn.

7. Can Percy’s Lawn Care handle my first mow of the season?
Yes. We offer expert spring mowing and comprehensive lawn care services for homeowners and businesses in Buffalo, Amherst, and Cheektowaga. Let our experienced team help you start the season with a healthy, well-maintained lawn.