How Often to Mow Your Lawn

How Often to Mow Lawn

Mowing frequency plays a vital role in the overall health and appearance of a lawn. It’s not just about keeping things tidy, it directly affects how well your grass grows, how dense it becomes, and how resistant it is to weeds, moss and disease. How often you mow depends on the season, the weather, and the condition of the grass itself.

Spring Mowing Routine

As spring arrives and soil temperatures begin to rise, grass growth kicks into gear. This is the time when mowing frequency should gradually increase. At the start of the season, it’s usually enough to mow once every ten days or so. As growth picks up with warmer temperatures and more daylight, weekly mowing becomes the norm. The first few cuts of the season should be gentle, using a high blade setting to avoid shocking the grass after winter dormancy. Once growth is steady, you can begin lowering the blade gradually and mowing more regularly to maintain a consistent height and encourage stronger side growth.

Peak Summer Growth

During late spring and early summer, grass reaches its peak growing phase. Under good conditions, with warmth, light and moisture, most lawns need mowing at least once a week, sometimes more often. The key is to avoid cutting too much in one go. Keeping on top of growth with regular mowing helps maintain a dense, healthy sward that naturally suppresses weeds. If rainfall is consistent and the lawn is well-fed, mowing every five to seven days may be necessary to keep it in top condition.

In dry or hot spells, grass slows its growth naturally. When this happens, mowing should also slow down. Let the grass grow slightly longer to retain moisture and reduce heat stress. Cutting too frequently or too short during these periods can weaken the turf and lead to bare patches or yellowing.

Autumn Adjustments

As the weather cools and growth starts to slow, mowing can be scaled back. In early autumn, once a week may still be appropriate, especially after warm spells or rain. As temperatures drop through late autumn, mowing every two to three weeks is usually enough. The final cut of the year should be timed before winter dormancy sets in, usually around late October or early November. This last mow helps prevent matting over winter and sets the lawn up for a cleaner, quicker start in spring.

Winter Mowing Considerations

Grass generally stops growing during winter, but in milder areas or after an unseasonably warm spell, you may notice some growth continuing. In these cases, a light mow using a high blade setting can be beneficial. However, mowing should only be done when the lawn is dry, the ground is firm, and frost is not forecast. Mowing frozen or waterlogged grass causes more harm than good and risks damaging both the grass and your mower.

Regular Mowing Builds Stronger Lawns

One of the most overlooked benefits of frequent mowing is how it improves grass structure. Regular cutting encourages lateral rather than vertical growth, which helps grass thicken, shade out weeds, and create a more uniform surface. Lawns that are mown consistently become denser, more resilient, and better able to handle wear and weather changes.

The One-Third Rule Still Applies

Although you’re focusing on frequency, it’s also important to mention that mowing should be based on grass height, not just the calendar. Cutting off too much at once, typically more than one-third of the total blade height  stresses the plant, weakens root systems, and makes lawns more vulnerable to disease and drought. If the grass has grown too long, it's better to lower the height gradually over a few mows.

Mowing Frequency Affects Lawn Colour and Texture

Lawns that are mown more frequently tend to develop a tighter, finer appearance, particularly if you're using sharp blades and making clean cuts. In contrast, irregular mowing allows blades to grow tall and coarse, leading to a looser finish and uneven colour. Regular mowing also increases the even distribution of light and nutrients, resulting in more consistent turf performance across the whole surface.

Shaded Lawns Grow Differently

Lawns in shady areas often grow more slowly, especially under trees or next to walls and fences. These areas don’t need mowing as frequently, but they also benefit from slightly longer grass, which helps maximise light absorption. In practice, this means adjusting your mowing pattern to different parts of the lawn, rather than treating it all the same.

Mowing Frequency Ties Directly to Feeding

If you’re feeding the lawn regularly with fertiliser, particularly in spring and summer, expect growth to accelerate. That means mowing will need to become more frequent to keep pace. More feed equals more growth, and more growth demands closer attention to mowing routines. This is why a feeding plan should always go hand-in-hand with mowing frequency.

Stripe Quality Depends on Consistency

For those who maintain striped lawns, the quality of the finish depends on regular mowing. Longer gaps between cuts mean less defined stripes and more visible imperfections. Consistent mowing keeps the blades pliable and responsive to the roller, giving sharper contrast and smoother visuals.

Final Word

The right mowing frequency changes throughout the year. It’s guided by the season, the growth rate of the grass and the condition of the lawn. In peak growing months, weekly mowing helps maintain a thick, healthy turf. In slower seasons, less frequent mowing allows the lawn to recover and prepare for future growth. By responding to your lawn’s needs rather than sticking to a rigid schedule, you give your grass the best chance to thrive all year round.