Last mow of the year (4 cm)
A bit lower before the grass stops growing. Short grass rots less over winter.
- When
- Nov 1 – Nov 30 (northern hemisphere) · May 1 – May 30 (southern)
- For
- Cool-season lawns (ryegrass, fescue, bluegrass)
- Needs
- mower
- Rule
- au-last-mow · Hessayon; RHS; Regional
A bit lower before the grass stops growing — short grass rots less over winter.
When
When growth has nearly stopped, usually in November in a continental climate, after most leaves are down and before the ground freezes or stays waterlogged. Grass keeps growing slowly as long as the soil is above about 5 °C, so the date varies from year to year.
How short
About 4 cm (1½ in), a little lower than the autumn cut. Long grass going into winter flops over, mats under snow and rain, and is more prone to fungal disease such as snow mold. Do not scalp it; very short grass loses its winter reserves and frost protection.
How
- Mow on a dry day, not after frost or when the ground is soft.
- Collect the clippings and any remaining leaves.
- Keep to the one-third rule; if the grass is long, lower the mower over two cuts.
Then
Clean the mower and put it away for winter servicing. Stay off frozen grass; footprints break frozen leaves and leave brown marks.
Sources
- D.G. Hessayon — The Lawn Experthessayon
- Royal Horticultural Society — lawn guidancerhs
- Regional practice — continental climate, zone 7regional