Have you been keeping your lawn neat all summer? Now that colder weather is coming, it might seem like lawn care is done for the year. But getting your lawn ready for winter is important if you want it to grow back healthy in the spring.
One key step is making the final cut before snow falls. In this guide, we’ll explain why that last mow matters and how short you should cut your grass.
Why Should You Cut Your Grass Short Before Winter?
Let’s look at the reasons why giving your lawn one last trim before winter benefits you:
Helps the Lawn Adapt to Winter Conditions: A shorter cut reduces the amount of leaf blade exposed to the harsh winter elements like wind, snow, and ice. This minimizes stress on the grass plants, allowing them to conserve energy during dormancy and leading to a stronger and healthier revival in the spring.
Prevents Snow Mold: Snow mold is a common fungal disease that can plague lawns under a blanket of snow, especially if the grass is too long. It can trap moisture and reduce air circulation, creating the perfect environment for snow mold to develop and cause unsightly patches in your lawn. A shorter cut keeps the grass canopy open and drier, preventing this fungal growth.
Ward Off Pests: Overgrown grass can provide an ideal habitat for various lawn pests, such as voles and certain insects, over the winter. By cutting the grass shorter, you reduce the shelter and food sources available to these pests, making your lawn less attractive for them to settle in during the colder months and potentially minimizing pest problems in the spring.
The ideal height for your last mow before winter is between 2 and 2.5 inches. Cutting your grass too short can expose the crown and roots to damaging cold, increasing the risk of winter injury. Conversely, leaving it too long can encourage snow mold and pest growth, which can lead to problems during spring.
However, the grass height can vary slightly depending on the specific type of grass you have and your local climate conditions. Different grass varieties have different growth habits and tolerances.
Ideal Height for Warm-Season Grasses
Warm-season grasses are common in the warmer regions of the country. These grasses go dormant and often turn brown during the winter. So, the final mow should leave the grass slightly taller than its typical summer cutting height. This extra length can provide insulation to the crown and roots, offering protection against potential winterkill.
Grass Cutting Heights Before Winter
Grass Type
Standard Cutting Height for Home Lawns (inches)
Last Mow Height Before Winter (inches)
Bahiagrass
3.0 - 4.0
3.0 - 4.0
Bermudagrass
0.5 - 1.5
2.0
Buffalograss
2.0 - 4.0
3.0 - 4.0
Carpetgrass
1.5 - 2.0
2.0 - 2.5
Centipedegrass
1.5 - 2.0
2.0 - 2.5
St. Augustinegrass dwarf varieties
2.0 - 2.5
2.0 - 2.5
St. Augustinegrass standard varieties
2.5 - 4.0
3.0 - 4.0
Zoysiagrass
1.0 - 2.5
2.0 - 2.5
Ideal Height for Cool-Season Grasses
Cool-season grasses are found in the cooler regions of the country and may remain green through a mild winter. So, the final cut is often recommended to be slightly shorter than their typical summer height. This helps prevent snow mold and pests, which is a greater concern for these denser grasses under snow cover.
Cool-Season Grass Winter Mowing Guide
Grass Type
Standard Cutting Height for Home Lawns (inches)
Last Mow Height Before Winter (inches)
Fine Fescue
1.5 - 3.5
2.0 - 2.5
Kentucky Bluegrass
2.0 - 3.5
2.0 - 2.5
Perennial Ryegrass
2.0 - 3.5
2.0 - 2.5
Tall Fescue
2.0 - 4.0
2.0 - 2.5
When to Stop Mowing Your Lawn Before Winter?
As autumn progresses and the days grow shorter, a common question arises among lawn owners: When should you put the mower away for the season?
Ideally, it’s better to cease mowing when the active growth of your grass has noticeably slowed and eventually stops as consistent cooler temperatures set in. Grass growth significantly slows down as temperatures cool.
It does not completely stop growing the moment winter arrives. Here are some general indicators to help you determine when it's time for the final mow:
Cease mowing when daytime temperatures consistently drop below 55°F (around 13°C). At these lower temperatures, the growth rate of most grass types significantly diminishes. Continuing to mow when the grass isn't actively growing can stress the plants unnecessarily.
Continue to mow until the grass becomes dormant as temperatures fall. For warm-season grasses, this is likely when they start to lose their green color and enter their natural dormant period. For cool-season grasses, growth will slow considerably with the cooler temperatures.
Consider the first significant frost as a clear signal to perform your final mow of the season. Once a hard frost has occurred, active growth for most grass types will come to an end. Aim to give your lawn its final trim at the recommended winter height shortly before this event, ensuring it is prepared for dormancy.
Best Practices for Cutting Grass Before Winter
That final mow before winter is more than just a routine task; it's a crucial step in ensuring your lawn survives the cold months and bounces back strong and healthy in the spring. Follow these best practices to make this last cut as effective as possible:
Mow the lawn on a warm day (above 40°F): Frost can freeze the grass blades, making them brittle and susceptible to damage from the mower. Warmer temperatures ensure the blades are more pliable and can be cut cleanly, minimizing stress before winter dormancy.
Ensure the lawn is dry: Like any other mowing session, avoid cutting your grass when it's wet. Wet grass can clump, leading to an uneven cut and potentially damaging your mower. Allow the lawn to dry completely before you begin.
Cut only the recommended amount: Stick to the one-third rule, even for this final cut. Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade's height. This minimizes stress on the grass as it enters its dormant phase.
Avoid cutting grass immediately after a frost: Wait until the ground has thawed after a frost before mowing. Cutting frozen grass can damage the blades and stress the plants.
Check your area's first frost date: Knowing the average first frost date for your region helps you plan the timing of your final mow. Aim to mow a few days before or shortly after this date, once active growth has ceased.
Aerate the lawn in fall: Fall aeration is an excellent practice to do in conjunction with your final mow. Aeration improves soil drainage and air circulation, promoting healthier roots that are better equipped to withstand winter conditions.
Apply a winterizing fertilizer: A late-fall application of a fertilizer formulated for winter can provide your lawn with the nutrients it needs for root development throughout the dormant season and an earlier green-up in the spring. Apply after your final mow.
Clear leaves and debris: After your final mow, ensure your lawn is clear of fallen leaves and other debris. A thick layer of leaves can trap moisture and block sunlight, creating an environment that is conducive to snow mold and hinders spring growth.
Conclusion
As the vibrant hues of fall give way to the anticipation of winter, one final act of lawn care can make all the difference to a healthy and beautiful spring. Now that you know how short to cut your grass for winter, why not spare some time to prepare your lawn? You'll see the good results when the weather gets warm again and your grass comes back strong and looks beautiful.
Percy's Lawn Care & Son has been dedicated to helping families like yours achieve beautiful and healthy lawns for years. We understand the unique needs of lawns as they transition into winter and are here to provide expert advice and care.
Let our family take care of your family's lawn, ensuring it's properly prepped for the cold months ahead. Contact Percy's Lawn Care & Son today for reliable service and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your lawn is in good hands!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I cut the grass before winter?
Absolutely! Giving your grass a gradual trim before winter helps keep it healthy and prevents several winter-related issues. Longer grass blades can mat down under snow cover, creating a breeding ground for fungal diseases like snow mold. A well-maintained shorter cut allows for better air circulation and reduces the risk of these problems.
How short should I cut my grass for winter?
For most common cool-season grasses, aim for a final cut height of around 2 to 2.5 inches. Warm-season grasses might benefit from a slightly taller final cut. Cutting it too short can lead to grass shock, while keeping it too long can increase the risk of snow mold.
Could a late-season mow harm my grass?
Yes, mowing your lawn when it's consistently frosty or the ground is frozen can indeed cause significant damage. When grass blades are frozen, they become brittle and are easily torn or crushed by the mower blades and foot traffic. This can stress the plant, making it more vulnerable to winter injury and diseases.
What are the right conditions to mow in late fall or after a light frost?
If you experience a light frost but anticipate warmer temperatures returning, wait for the warmer, sunny conditions to melt the frost before mowing. Ensure the grass blades are completely dry to get a clean cut and avoid tearing. Also, stick to the one-third rule—never remove more than one-third of the grass blade's height in a single mowing.
