When Should the Last Grass Cutting of the Season Be?

Mowing season ends when the grass stops growing.

Mowing for some is a chore, while for others it is a chance to finally be alone with their thoughts as the roar of the engine blocks out all other sounds. For those who enjoy mowing, the last cutting of the season signals the sad, but true end of summer.

Northern Region

Grass can become patchy with dead areas where mold persists.

Ohio State University recommends mowing as long as the grass continues to grow. For northern regions, mow until the grass no longer grows above two inches tall. Shorter grass has less chance of hiding fungi or other grass diseases over the winter months.

Southern Regions

Grass will begin to grow before trees begin to leaf.

Southern regions will mow most of the year except when a drought, a long cold snap or a heavy frost occurs. Grass will go dormant for a short time and then resume its growth when temperature and moisture conditions are favorable again.

Fall Fertilizing

Fertilize your lawn before the last mowing of the season.

Time your last mowing about two weeks after your last feeding. Apply a 10-10-10 fertilizer to your lawn a week or two before a heavy frost is expected. This will allow the fertilizer time to break down into the soil and strengthen grass roots before dormancy.

Raking

Remove leaves from the lawn to prevent mold.

Remove grass clippings and chopped leaves to deter the spread of disease during the dormant months. Once the grass has stopped growing, it is still important to rake up any extra leaves so that you are not surprised with dead areas of grass after the spring snow melt.

References

• Ohio State University Extension: Lawn Mowing
• Oriental Nursery: Mowing and Fertilizing Guide