You are not alone in wondering when you can start cutting your lawn again – winter is gradually receding, and the first signs of those spring bulbs you planted in the fall are appearing in borders and containers.

To some extent, cutting a lawn again after winter does, depending on the climate in your zone and how the weather is local. If, on the other hand, you’re itching to get your lawnmower out of the garage and those backyard ideas look like they’re appropriate for spring, you might be wondering if you can start cutting your lawn again this weekend.

We’ve enlisted the help of experts.

WHEN CAN I RESTART CUTTING MY LAWN?

So, why are you able to re-cut your lawn in the spring? Most (though not all) experts agree that the best time to start mowing a lawn again is in March, possibly in late February.
Gardeners should check for frost and make sure the lawn isn’t too wet before cutting it again, according to the experts at Johnsons Lawn Seed: ‘If the grass is still frozen or if you have a random overnight frost, stay away from it because you will easily break off tender green shoots,’ says the author “Grass will grow again as soon as the temperature rises above 42oF/6oC,” they say, adding, “grass will grow again as soon as the temperature rises above 42oF/6oC.”

‘It’s a common misconception that there’s a specific time of year to mow your lawn,’ says David Truby, MD of Greensleeves, a lawn care franchise. Grass growth slows and becomes increasingly dormant during the winter, but it does not stop entirely, and neither should mowing your lawn. The key is to keep mowing your lawn as needed, never letting it grow too long, as this can significantly reduce the quality and potentially worsen the severity of a moss invasion.’

What is our recommendation? Take a middle path: if your grass appears to need cutting again, the conditions are favourable, and the long-term weather forecast is favourable, it is safe to resume mowing a lawn; doing so should result in a green and thick lawn.

 

HOW SHOULD I CUT MY LAWN AFTER THE WINTER?

‘You should set your mower to the highest cutting height and avoid cutting more than a third of the grass blades in one session or you risk damaging it,’ say Johnsons Lawn Seed experts.

How do I get my lawn ready for mowing again in the spring?

‘When cutting your lawn for the first time in spring, it’s likely to look a little unloved and overgrown, so clear the area of any leaves, sticks, and other debris that may interfere with mowing or could damage the mower blade,’ says Paul Hicks of STIHL.

‘Debris on the surface of your lawn can weaken or smother grass, making it susceptible to fungal infections and unsightly yellowing.'” ‘ Scarify the surface of your lawn with a spring-tooth rake to remove decaying or dead organic matter if it is tired, old, and generally thatch-looking. Rake over in one direction first, then at right angles to the first set of cuts.

If your grass is looking a little threadbare, as it often does during the winter’s ravages, prepare to sow bald patches by removing weeds and lightly forking it over to break up the soil. Remember, even if your lawn appears dormant on the surface, it is ready to go!’

 

SHOULD I MOW MY LAWN DURING THE WINTER?

‘During the main growing seasons of April to June and September to October, your lawn should be mowed as frequently as possible, at least once per week, because mowing is one of the most important things you can do to maintain a beautiful looking lawn,’ advises lawn care expert David Truby.

‘Do not be afraid to mow your grass in the winter if the ground is not waterlogged or frozen,’ David adds. ‘Cutting your lawn at the proper height on a regular basis will encourage healthier growth from the roots to the tip.’