You can start mowing your lawn in early spring once the grass has grown to about 3 to 4 inches in height and is actively growing, which typically happens when soil temperatures reach around 50°F for cool-season grasses or 60°F for warm-season grasses. This usually corresponds to mid to late March in warmer regions and later in cooler areas
. Key points for the first mow:
- Wait until grass is actively growing and not dormant or frozen
- Grass height should be about 3 to 4 inches before the first cut to avoid stressing the lawn
- Ensure the soil is dry and firm to prevent compaction and damage to roots
- Avoid mowing wet grass to prevent uneven cuts and disease
Regarding the time of day to mow, the best times are mid-morning (around 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.) or late afternoon (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) when the grass is dry and temperatures are cooler. Avoid mowing early in the morning when grass is wet with dew or late in the evening when the grass cannot recover before nightfall
. In terms of lawn mowing etiquette, it is generally recommended not to mow before 8 a.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. on weekends to avoid disturbing neighbors
. In summary, you can mow your lawn as early as mid-March if conditions are right, but more important than the calendar date is the grass height, soil temperature, and moisture level. Waiting until the grass reaches about 3 to 4 inches and is dry will ensure a healthy start to the mowing season
