When Should You Stop Mowing Your Lawn Before Winter?

As temperatures drop and winter approaches, you might wonder when to give your lawn mower a break. Knowing when to stop mowing is key to keeping your grass healthy and setting up your lawn for a strong comeback in spring. Here, we’ll walk through key signs to look for and share tips on winterizing your lawn as the season changes.

Why Does it Matter When You Stop Mowing?

Mowing at the right time is important for many reasons. Grass needs time to go dormant before winter arrives. Cutting too late or too short can weaken your lawn, making it susceptible to winter diseases, pests, and damage from cold temperatures. A healthy grass height in late fall will help keep your lawn strong through winter.

Things to Keep in Mind for Winter Lawn Mowing

Before you pack up the mower for winter, keep these quick tips in mind to help your lawn handle the colder months like a pro.

1. Grass Growth Rate

One of the most reliable indicators is the growth rate of your grass. As fall progresses, grass growth slows significantly. When you notice it’s not growing much between mows, that’s a good sign it’s almost time to stop.

Pro Tip: For cool-season grasses (like fescue and bluegrass) mowing generally continues later into the fall than for warm-season grasses (like St Augustine, Bermuda and Zoysia) which go dormant sooner.

2. Local Weather Patterns

Keep an eye on your local weather forecasts. When daytime temperatures start staying consistently below 50°F, your grass is likely entering dormancy. This signals that it’s safe to stop mowing. Additionally, if frost has already started, grass growth will be minimal.

3. Ideal Grass Height for Winter

Before you stop mowing entirely, aim to have your grass at the ideal winter height:

Cool-season grasses: 2.5 – 3”

Warm-season grasses: 3.25 – 4.0”

If your grass is taller than the recommended winter height, it’s worth doing one final mow to get it down to the optimal length for winter.

Signs it’s Time to Put Away the Mower

Here are some clear signs that it’s finally time to put your Kubota mower away until spring:

• Little to No Grass Growth – If your lawn stays the same height week after week, it’s likely done growing for the season.
• Colder Daytime Temperatures – When daily temperatures remain under 50°F, your lawn is likely entering dormancy.
• Frequent Frost – Once frost is common in your area, the grass will grow slower and become more vulnerable to damage if mowed.

Learn more about maintaining Kubota equipment in cold weather.

Final Tips for Prepping Your Lawn for Winter

1. Do one last cleanup. Clear leaves and debris from the lawn to prevent them from smothering the grass or causing diseases.
2. Add fertilizer for cool-season grasses. A late-fall application of fertilizer helps strengthen the roots, giving your lawn a boost for spring.
3. Avoid watering. Once the ground starts freezing, stop watering to prevent water from sitting on the surface, which could freeze and damage the grass.

Preparing Your Mower for Winter Storage

When you’re done mowing for the season, make sure your mower is ready for winter, too. Clean off any grass and debris, check the blades, and consider adding a fuel stabilizer to keep the fuel fresh. Proper storage will ensure your mower is ready to go in spring.

Check out this Kubota maintenance schedule.

When to Start Mowing Again in Spring

As spring temperatures start to rise, your lawn will wake up and begin growing again. A good rule of thumb is to wait until the grass is at least 3-4 inches tall before making the first cut. Before making that first cut, make sure your grass is growing steadily. If your lawn still looks patchy or uneven, give it a little more time to fully bounce back.

Visit Bobby Ford Tractor & Equipment for All Your Lawn Care Needs!

At Bobby Ford Tractor & Equipment, we’re here to help you take care of your lawn year-round. From expert advice to a wide selection of equipment, our team is ready to assist. Check out our equipment specials to prepare for next season, or stop by our Repair Shop to make sure your mower is winter-ready.

Visit our showroom today and talk with our team about the best tools for a beautiful lawn, no matter the season!