Autumn plays a vital role in the care of lawns, as they recover from the intense heat of summer and prepare for the approaching cold of winter. Grass is known for its resilience, making maintenance relatively simple. However, improper mowing during this season can leave the grass weak and lackluster in the coming year.
Kris Lord, an expert from The Lawn Man, highlighted a common mistake made by gardeners in September and October – neglecting to adjust the height of their mower blades. Lord emphasized the importance of raising the mower height as winter nears, leaving at least 2.0-2.5 inches of grass after cutting during autumn mowing.
Grass needs ample energy in autumn to withstand the harsh winter conditions, especially with reduced sunlight during shorter days. Trimming the grass too short at this stage can hinder its ability to photosynthesize, leading to a lack of energy storage in the grass blades and stunted root growth.
Shallow roots during winter are more susceptible to frost damage and lack the resilience to recover. Come spring, the grass may be compromised, discolored, and struggle to regain its lush appearance. To maintain a healthy lawn, adjusting the mower height to avoid cutting the grass too short is crucial for winter resilience.
Avoid the shock of cutting more than one-third of the grass height in a single mow, as it can halt root growth for weeks. Keep the mower blades slightly longer than in summer and mow every two weeks instead of weekly. Refrain from mowing after rainfall to prevent grass clumping, which can promote the growth of mold, moss, and fungal diseases.
While adjusting mower blades may seem like a minor task, it is essential for ensuring the grass can thrive and remain protected during winter, resulting in a lush and green lawn for the following year.
