When to Stop Mowing the Lawn?

Mow grass until it stops growing.

Fall lawn care prepares your grass to grow stronger and more attractively in the coming spring and summer. Continue to mow your lawn throughout the fall until it stops growing.

Fall Mowing

Continue mowing your grass in the fall until it stops growing, which occurs at different times in different climates. Mowing your grass slightly shorter in the fall reduces the chances of winter diseases, such as snow mold. Utah State University recommends mowing your lawn to 1 to 1.5 inches on your last mowing.

Summer Dormancy

If your lawn goes dormant in the summer, which often happens during droughts or periods of extremely hot weather, you will not need to mow as frequently. Mow regularly after your lawn returns from dormancy and starts to grow again.

Spring Mowing

The first mowing in the spring helps the lawn start growing because it removes dead lawn tissue, allowing the live grass underneath to get the sunlight necessary for photosynthesis. Mow in the spring after the grass turns green, the danger of frost has passed and the grass has slowly begun to grow again.

References

• Iowa State University Extension; Mowing Your Lawn; August 2009
• Utah State University Cooperative Extension: FAQ
• University of Illinois Extension; Lawn Care; David Robson