Garden and lawn maintenance often slows down when the weather turns cold. In the height of summer, plants grow and thrive just like grass, which requires frequent cutting. People looking for a break from lawn care will be glad when temperatures drop, which usually signals a break from outdoor chores. But when to relax and put away your gardening equipment depends on several factors, including geographic region, climate, and type of grass.

We talked to three lawn experts about when to stop mowing, the signs of when your last mow is approaching, and why mowing in cold temperatures can damage your grass.

When to stop mowing the lawn

As the weather cools, plants and grass slow down their growth cycle. The type of grass and where it lives will influence its growth in colder climates. “The climate or region one lives in can greatly influence when to stop mowing,” says Erin Harlow, Extension Horticulture Agent III, University of Florida/IFAS Extension Columbia County. Mowing will typically take a backseat in the colder months as some grass varieties go dormant while others slow growth. “A lot of our grasses that are in lawns grow based on soil temperature, not necessarily air temperature,” he says. “If the temperature stays warmer for longer, the plants will continue to grow and may need maintenance.” There is usually one last cut or trim of the season before temperatures drop and it becomes too cold to cut.

Cool or warm season grass

There are two types of grasses: cool season grasses and warm season grasses. Geographic location will influence whether you grow cool-season or warm-season grass varieties. Warm season grass grows in warm, warm climates and often stops growing when cold temperatures arrive. “In Texas, a lack of rain can cause grass species to go dormant, as can cold, freezing weather,” Elizabeth McMahon, Gillespie County AgriLife Extension Horticultural agent.

“Warm-season grasses generally go dormant during the winter months,” Harlow says. “If they are in Zones 9B -11, they may not go dormant at all.”

Cool-season grasses can continue to grow in colder climates. “Cool-season grass may need to be maintained for a longer period of time because it continues to grow during the winter months and remains green,” Harlow says. “This will of course depend on weather conditions.”

Geographic region and last cut of the season

Geographic location is a key factor when preparing the last cut of the season. “The climate and region of your country will determine the species of grass you grow, and different warm-season grasses have different periods in which they go dormant,” explains McMahon.

If you are in a warmer region, you may not have much time to mow your lawn compared to colder geographic areas. “In southern regions or areas with mild winters, such as Florida, Texas, or parts of California, warm-season (grass) varieties such as Bermuda or St. Augustine may continue to grow longer into fall and even winter.” says Valerie Smith. , content strategist at Lawn Solutions. As long as the grass continues to grow, it is necessary to continue mowing. “It may not be necessary to completely stop mowing, but the frequency will decrease as temperatures drop and growth slows,” he says.

When the weather is colder, plants slow their growth or stop altogether. “In colder northern regions or areas with harsh winters, such as the Midwest or Northeast, grass growth stops earlier in the fall,” Smith says. “Cool-season grasses like Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass, common in these regions, also slow down as temperatures drop.” When grass stops growing, usually after the first frost, mowing should be stopped, he says.

What you need to know for the last cut

When you’re getting ready for the last cut of the season, the type of grass will influence how high to cut it. “Mowing grass below the recommended height can cause serious damage and stress to the plant,” says Harlow. The last cut requires a balance between not cutting it too short or leaving it too high. “It is not recommended to let grass grow taller than the recommended height because it can shade and become thin and brown underneath,” says Harlow. The best way to ensure that your grass is cut and left at the proper height is to know the species of grass and cut it within the recommended cutting height.

How tall is warm season grass?

Warm-season grasses, such as St. Augustine, should be mowed between 2.5” and 4” says Harlow. Smith recommends cutting warm-season varieties, including Bermuda, St. Augustine and Zoysia, a half-inch taller than usual for the last cut. “Leaving the grass a little higher helps protect the base of the leaves and runners from frost, creating a barrier that protects growing areas from cold damage,” he says. Avoid cutting too much, as this can leave the grass vulnerable to cold and frost and potentially damage it, he adds.

How tall is cool season grass?

“For cool-season grasses like Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass, the grass should be cut about a half-inch shorter than normal for the final cut,” Smith says. This helps the grass adapt to colder temperatures and prevents it from becoming tangled, which can lead to snow mold, he adds.

Signs that the last cut is approaching

Several signs indicate that it is time to mow the last lawn before winter:

Check soil temperature

A handy way to know when the last cut is approaching is by checking the soil temperature. “For cool-season grasses, growth generally stops when soil temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C),” Smith says.

Colder temperatures

The weather is a good indicator that the season is changing. “Grass growth typically slows significantly as temperatures drop,” Smith says. This happens with cool season grasses when temperatures drop. “If you notice that your grass is no longer growing quickly, it may be time for a final mow,” he says.

falling leaves

Leaves begin to fall with cooler weather. A visual sign is when there are many leaves on the grass. “It often indicates that the grass is entering its dormant period,” Smith says.

Know when the first frost comes

The last cut should be made before the first frost arrives. Weather patterns are changing, so you may not be able to rely on your calendar, but pay attention to frost forecasts. “It’s wise to mow your lawn at least a week before the first hard frost hits your area,” Smith says. “This helps ensure the grass is at an optimal height to withstand the winter.”

Why You Don’t Want to Mow the Lawn in Cold Temperatures

When the weather turns cold, most plants slow their growth or stop growing altogether until the weather warms up again. If it’s cold outside, you’d probably prefer to stay cozy inside rather than rev up the lawnmower. The grass also wants to be left alone. “Mowing when temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C) can severely stress the grass,” Smith says. “At these temperatures, grass growth slows significantly and its ability to recover from mowing is compromised.” This can make the grass more susceptible to disease.

Grass blades are more fragile and brittle in the cold. “Mowing in these conditions can cause the blades to break or break, leaving an unsightly lawn and increasing vulnerability to pathogens,” says Smith.

Avoid cutting wet or frozen grass

Mowing the grass when it is frozen or wet can damage it. Once temperatures drop, leave the lawn alone. “Mowing in frozen or excessively wet soils can cause compaction, which restricts the movement of air, water and nutrients to the roots,” Smith says. “This compaction stresses the grass and hinders its growth potential when it resumes in the spring.” Mowing in wet conditions, whether from rain, dew or frost, can also create uneven cuts that can weaken the grass and make it more vulnerable to disease, he says.

As a general rule, mow the grass only when it is dry. The temperature is also important before taking out the mower. “Wait until temperatures are at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit before mowing,” says Smith.