The general advice is to stop mowing your lawn when the grass stops growing for the season, which usually happens in late October or November in many regions, depending on temperatures. This is typically when temperatures consistently drop below about 40-50°F (4-10°C), and the lawn enters dormancy. Stopping mowing about a week before the first frost is ideal. At this time, the grass growth slows significantly or stops, and cutting it short before winter helps prevent disease and damage from snow and frost. Also, it's recommended to avoid mowing after fertilizing your lawn for winter, as this supports root growth during the cold months. Key points:
- Stop mowing when temperatures consistently fall below 40-50°F, usually late October to early November.
- The last mow should be about a week before the first frost.
- Cut grass shorter than in the summer (around 1.5-2 inches depending on grass type) for winter protection.
- Avoid mowing wet or frosty grass to prevent damage.
- Mowing after fall fertilization can disrupt root growth and should be avoided.
- Clean up leaves and debris before winter to keep the lawn healthy.
This timing may vary depending on local climate and grass type, but monitoring temperature and grass growth is the best indicator.