Garden Expert Warns Against Mowing Dormant Grass Before Winter

Homeowners across the United Kingdom should adjust their lawn care routines as temperatures fall and grass growth slows, gardening expert James Ewens of Green Feathers has warned. Stopping mowing at the right time can help protect grass blades and roots from winter damage, reduce disease risks, and support healthier growth when spring returns.

According to guidance reported by the Express, gardeners should generally consider putting away their lawnmowers when local temperatures fall below 10°C. Shorter daylight hours also reduce grass growth, making continued mowing less necessary as winter approaches.

Ewens warned that cutting grass after it becomes dormant can damage both its blades and roots. The resulting stress may leave lawns vulnerable to pests, diseases, and harsh winter conditions.

"While it's not a hard and fast rule, if gardeners cut their grass too late in the year - after it has gone dormant - then they risk damaging the blades and roots, making the lawn more susceptible to diseases, pests, and winter damage. Effectively, one cut too late could undo all the hard work you've done over the past spring and summer!" said James Ewens, a gardening expert from Green Feathers.

Grass also stores essential nutrients in its roots during winter. Cutting it after dormancy begins can deplete these reserves and weaken its ability to photosynthesize, potentially leaving the lawn looking dry or yellow in spring and requiring additional care to recover.

To identify the appropriate time for the final cut, Ewens recommends monitoring changes in grass growth, nearby tree leaf colors, blade height, and local weather conditions. These indicators can help gardeners determine when their lawns are approaching winter dormancy.

"To determine when to stop mowing your lawn for the season, look for signs like slowed growth, changes in leaf colour on nearby trees, and a consistent height of blades, while paying close attention to weather patterns. If frost is in the forecast, your grass will need a few weeks to strengthen its roots and prepare for winter dormancy." said James Ewens, a gardening expert from Green Feathers.

The timing varies across the United Kingdom because regional climates differ. Coastal areas may experience milder winters than inland locations, while grass varieties and local weather patterns also influence when growth slows significantly.

Ewens said gardeners should aim to complete their final cut before dormancy, while avoiding mowing once grass growth has substantially stopped. Allowing sufficient time for roots to strengthen before winter can help lawns maintain their condition during colder months.

"The goal should be to give your lawn one last cut before it goes dormant - which is impacted by the factors mentioned above along with the type of grass - but after it has stopped growing significantly. By timing your last cut of the year perfectly, your lawn can enter the winter season with a healthy and lush appearance and a strong root system, laying the foundations for healthy growth and a quick recovery in spring." said James Ewens, a gardening expert from Green Feathers.

Regional recommendations place the final mowing period in late October for London, Bristol, and Cardiff. In Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Dublin, the suggested window extends from late October to early November.