As autumn arrives, it can be tempting to give your lawn one final close mow before putting the mower away for winter. However, cutting grass too short can leave it weaker and more vulnerable during the colder months. Find out when to mow and how high to set your mower blades to give your lawn a better chance of staying healthy.
Why you should avoid cutting your grass too short
‘Many gardeners make the mistake of giving their lawn a final close cut before winter, but cutting grass too short can leave it vulnerable to cold, disease and wear,’ explains John Marshall, operations director and landscaping expert from Bentham Golf Course and Wenningdale Escapes.
Grass stores energy it needs to get through winter in its blades, so removing too much can reduce its reserves.
‘Shorter blades can mean that it is not able to store as much food,’ says Richard Barker, horticultural expert and commercial director of LBS Horticulture.
There is also a risk of exposing the crown of the grass plant – the point where the roots and shoots meet. ‘This means it is exposed to frost and freezing temperatures,’ Richard adds.
Scalping the lawn can also expose more soil to sunlight, which may encourage weed seeds to germinate when spring arrives.
What to do instead
Rather than giving your lawn one drastic final cut, gradually raise the mowing height as autumn progresses.
‘As temperatures begin to fall, it is better to gradually raise the mowing height and leave the grass slightly longer,’ says John.
Richard recommends leaving the grass at least 4cm tall, as longer blades can provide an extra layer of insulation for the roots and soil beneath.
There’s no need to stop mowing altogether once autumn arrives. As long as the grass continues to grow and conditions are suitable, you can keep cutting it – just less frequently and at a higher setting. The additional length can help protect it through winter and give it a stronger start when spring returns.
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