When to stop mowing your lawn this winter, depending on where you live in the UK
You may be tired of spending a lot of time in your garden as temperatures continue to drop.
But for those who want to keep their outdoor space looking lush during the winter months, it’s important to know when to give them the last mowing of the year.
Grass growth slows down at this time of year, but gardeners may be putting away their lawn mowers too early.
Mowing your lawn too late can damage the grass, but doing so too early can leave your once lush lawn looking old and neglected during the winter months.
So, when is the perfect time for the last trim of the season?
According to James Ewens, garden expert at Green Feathers, it all depends on where in the UK you live.
Based on average temperatures and other regional differences, the professional revealed who can put their lawn mower away and when.
“As temperatures drop, grass growth slows down significantly. Once average daytime temperatures consistently fall below 10 degrees Celsius, it is generally safe to stop mowing,” he told Express.co.uk.
If the weather is particularly hot or wet, the growing season can also change, the professional said.
“Microclimates in different regions of Britain could influence the timing of the latest cut,” he added.
So this is when you should mow your lawn for the last time this season, depending on where you live.
When should you mow your lawn for the last time this winter?
London: end of October
Manchester: late October to early November
Birmingham: late October to early November
Leeds: late October to early November
Liverpool: late October to early November
Glasgow: late October to early November
Edinburgh: late October to early November
Bristol: end of October
Newcastle: late October to early November
Cardiff: end of October
Following the one-third rule can also ensure that you mow often enough to promote lateral growth.
Grass that grows sideways can help the garden grow thick and dense, creating a healthy appearance and helping to prevent weeds.
It is important to cut your grass short before it stops growing for several reasons. One of them is the chance of snow.
When snow falls on long grass, the grass can bend or felt, creating an environment for mold and disease.
If your lawn is choked, your grass may not recover from winter.
Shorter grass is stiffer, making the lawn more resistant to damage from ice and snow.
In addition to mowing your lawn briefly before it gets too cold, it is important to rake the autumn leaves from the grass.
Debris, including leaves, twigs and loose branches, should be mulched or raked from the lawn before winter sets in, or it could choke your grass.
What is the one third rule?
The one-third rule is a lawn care tip that helps you know when to mow your lawn.
The guideline recommends not mowing more than a third of the grass length at a time.
For example, if your grass is two inches tall, you should mow it when it is two inches high.
The one-third rule keeps lawns healthy and provides deeper roots for the grass.
The tip also prevents excessive clippings and allows small clippings to spread across the garden, promoting lateral growth.