Grass Cutting in Winter: The Pros and Cons

Key Takeaways

Grass cutting in winter can have benefits and risks for your lawn, depending on the grass type, season, climate, and region.
The main benefit of grass cutting in winter is to keep your lawn healthy and prevent weeds, diseases, and pests from taking over.
The main risk of grass cutting in winter is to damage your lawn by cutting too short, mowing too often, or mowing in frost or snow.
To grass cut in winter properly, you need to follow some expert tips from Handy Andy Lawn Care, such as:
- Reduce the frequency of mowing to once a month or less, depending on the weather and the grass growth.
- Raise the height of the mower blades to leave at least 5 cm of grass length, to protect the soil and the roots from cold and moisture.
- Use a mulching mower or collect the clippings to avoid leaving wet grass on the lawn, which can cause thatch and diseases.
- Fertilise your lawn in late autumn or early winter, using a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertiliser, to strengthen the grass and improve its resistance to frost and drought.
- Water your lawn only if necessary, and preferably in the morning, to avoid waterlogging and freezing.
- Remove weeds, aerate the soil, and overseed bare patches in autumn, before the grass becomes dormant, to improve the lawn’s appearance and health.

Why Grass Cut in Winter?

Many people think that grass cutting is only a spring and summer activity, but that is not entirely true. Grass cutting in winter can also be beneficial for your lawn, as long as you do it correctly and carefully.

Grass cutting in winter can help you to:

Keep your lawn healthy: Grass does not stop growing completely in winter, especially if the temperature is above 5°C and there is enough sunlight and moisture. By grass cutting in winter, you can prevent the grass from becoming too long and thin, which can weaken it and make it more susceptible to diseases and pests. You can also remove any dead or diseased grass, which can harbour fungi and bacteria that can spread to the healthy grass.
Prevent weeds from taking over: Weeds are opportunistic plants that can grow faster and stronger than grass in winter, especially if the grass is dormant or stressed. By grass cutting in winter, you can prevent the weeds from flowering and seeding, which can reduce their population and competition for nutrients and space. You can also apply a selective herbicide in winter, if needed, to kill the weeds without harming the grass.
Maintain a neat and tidy appearance: Grass cutting in winter can also improve the aesthetic appeal of your lawn, by giving it a uniform and well-groomed look. A neat and tidy lawn can enhance the curb appeal of your property, and make it more inviting and enjoyable for you and your guests.

What are the Risks of Grass Cutting in Winter?

Grass cutting in winter can also have some drawbacks and risks for your lawn, if you do it incorrectly or excessively. Grass cutting in winter can harm your lawn by:

Cutting too short: Cutting the grass too short in winter can expose the soil and the roots to cold and moisture, which can damage them and cause them to rot or freeze. Cutting the grass too short can also reduce the photosynthesis and the energy reserves of the grass, which can weaken it and make it more prone to diseases and pests. A general rule of thumb is to leave at least 5 cm of grass length in winter, or one-third of the normal height.
Mowing too often: Mowing the grass too often in winter can also stress the grass and reduce its vigour and resilience. Mowing too often can also compact the soil and reduce the air and water circulation, which can affect the root growth and the nutrient uptake of the grass. A general rule of thumb is to mow the grass once a month or less in winter, depending on the weather and the grass growth.
Mowing in frost or snow: Mowing the grass in frost or snow can be very damaging for your lawn, as it can break the frozen blades and cause them to turn brown and die. Mowing in frost or snow can also create ruts and depressions in the soil, which can affect the drainage and the level of the lawn. A general rule of thumb is to avoid mowing the grass in frost or snow, and wait until the lawn is dry and thawed.

How to Grass Cut in Winter Properly?

To grass cut in winter properly, and enjoy the benefits without the risks, you need to follow some expert tips from Handy Andy Lawn Care, such as:

Check the weather forecast: Before you plan to mow your lawn in winter, you should check the weather forecast and choose a mild and dry day, preferably in the afternoon, when the temperature is above 5°C and there is no frost or snow on the ground. You should also avoid mowing your lawn in winter when it is raining or windy, as this can make the grass wet and slippery, and increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
Sharpen the mower blades: Before you start mowing your lawn in winter, you should sharpen the mower blades, or replace them if they are worn or damaged. Sharp mower blades can cut the grass cleanly and evenly, without tearing or bruising it, which can reduce the stress and the infection of the grass. Sharp mower blades can also improve the efficiency and the performance of the mower, and save you time and fuel.
Adjust the mower height: Before you mow your lawn in winter, you should adjust the mower height, or change the mower settings, to raise the blades and leave at least 5 cm of grass length, or one-third of the normal height. This can protect the soil and the roots from cold and moisture, and allow the grass to photosynthesise and store energy. You should also avoid scalping or lowering the mower height in winter, as this can damage your lawn and make it look patchy and uneven.
Use a mulching mower or collect the clippings: When you mow your lawn in winter, you should use a mulching mower, or collect the clippings, to avoid leaving wet grass on the lawn, which can cause thatch and diseases. A mulching mower can chop the clippings into fine pieces and return them to the lawn, where they can decompose and release nutrients and organic matter. Alternatively, you can collect the clippings and use them as compost or mulch for your garden beds or pots.
Fertilise your lawn in late autumn or early winter: To prepare your lawn for winter, and help it cope with the stress of mowing, you should fertilise your lawn in late autumn or early winter, using a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertiliser, such as a 5-10-10 or a 10-15-10 formula. This can strengthen the grass and improve its resistance to frost and drought. You should apply the fertiliser according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and water it in well to avoid burning the grass.
Water your lawn only if necessary: To avoid overwatering or underwatering your lawn in winter, you should water your lawn only if necessary, and preferably in the morning, to allow the water to soak in and evaporate before the night. You should water your lawn deeply and infrequently, rather than shallowly and frequently, to encourage the roots to grow deeper and stronger. You should also check the soil moisture regularly, and water your lawn only when the top 2-3 cm of soil are dry.
Remove weeds, aerate the soil, and overseed bare patches in autumn: To improve the appearance and the health of your lawn in winter, and prevent the problems of mowing, you should remove weeds, aerate the soil, and overseed bare patches in autumn, before the grass becomes dormant. You can remove weeds by hand, or use a selective herbicide, to eliminate the competition and the infection of the grass. You can aerate the soil by using a garden fork or a spike aerator, to loosen the soil and improve the air and water circulation. You can overseed bare patches by using a suitable grass seed mix, to fill the gaps and increase the density of the grass.

Conclusion

Grass cutting in winter can be a beneficial or harmful practice for your lawn, depending on the grass type, season, climate, and region. The main benefit of grass cutting in winter is to keep your lawn healthy and prevent weeds, diseases, and pests from taking over. The main risk of grass cutting in winter is to damage your lawn by cutting too short, mowing too often, or mowing in frost or snow.

However, grass cutting in winter is not a one-size-fits-all solution, as different types of grass have different needs and responses to mowing. Generally, there are two main types of grass: cool-season grass and warm-season grass.