As autumn leaves blanket the ground and temperatures drop, it’s time to say goodbye to the lawn cutting season. At The Brighton Gardening Company, we know that understanding the right time to put away the mower is essential for keeping your lawn healthy year-round. In this blog post, we’ll explain why lawn cutting season ends in autumn, how to prepare your grass for winter, and what you can do to ensure a lush, green lawn come spring.
Why Does Lawn Cutting Season End?
As cooler weather arrives, grass growth slows down significantly. During summer, grass grows rapidly, requiring regular mowing to keep it in check. However, as temperatures drop and days shorten, grass enters a natural dormancy phase, conserving energy for the winter months. Continuing to mow the lawn during this time can actually harm the grass, as it becomes more vulnerable to stress and damage when it’s not actively growing.
The Effects of Cooler Temperatures and Reduced Sunlight
Grass requires sunlight, water, and warmth to grow. As we head into winter, the decrease in sunlight and lower temperatures create an environment where grass can no longer thrive in the same way it does in spring and summer. Cooler temperatures slow down the growth cycle, which means less need for mowing. In Brighton’s mild but often wet winters, grass will stay relatively dormant, allowing it to conserve energy.
How to Prepare Your Lawn for Winter
Though lawn cutting season has come to an end, there are steps you can take to ensure your grass stays healthy throughout the colder months:
- Final Mow and Edge
Give your lawn one last mow before winter, cutting it slightly shorter than usual (about 2 inches). This final mow will tidy up your lawn and prevent fungal growth that thrives in longer grass over winter. - Clear Fallen Leaves and Debris
Leaves and debris left on the lawn can block sunlight and create wet, shaded areas where moss and mold can grow. Regularly raking your lawn will prevent these issues and allow your grass to breathe. - Aerate the Soil
Aerating your lawn allows air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the soil. This is especially beneficial in autumn, as it prepares the soil for winter moisture. - Apply a Winter Fertilizer
Feeding your lawn with a fertilizer high in potassium in late autumn strengthens the grass for winter, boosting root health and resilience against cold temperatures.
What Happens if You Continue Mowing?
Mowing grass during its dormant phase can create stress and damage to the grass blades. Additionally, the wet conditions in winter can cause soil compaction if you’re using heavy lawn equipment, making it harder for roots to access necessary nutrients. This leads to weaker grass in spring and can even result in bare patches or increased moss and weed growth.
Embrace Seasonal Garden Maintenance
Just because mowing season is over doesn’t mean garden maintenance has to end! At The Brighton Gardening Company, we offer comprehensive winter garden prep services, including leaf removal, bed weeding, and pruning, to keep your garden in top shape through the colder months. Preparing your garden now makes for a smooth transition into spring, with fewer weeds, healthier plants, and a lawn ready to burst back to life.
Looking Ahead: When to Resume Mowing in Spring
As temperatures begin to warm up in early spring, you’ll notice your grass start to grow again. When the grass reaches a height of around 3 inches and temperatures consistently stay above 10°C (50°F), it’s safe to bring out the mower again. Starting with a higher cut at first and gradually lowering the blade height is a good practice to avoid shocking the grass.
Trust the Experts to Keep Your Lawn Healthy Year-Round
Whether it’s the end of the mowing season or preparing your garden for winter, The Brighton Gardening Company is here to help. With expert care, eco-friendly practices, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, we ensure your outdoor space is maintained in every season. Contact us today to learn more about our winter garden services or to schedule your spring lawn care in advance.
