When to Cut a New Lawn

When to Cut New Lawn

Cutting a new lawn for the first time is an important milestone in establishing strong, healthy grass. Whether you’ve grown the lawn from seed or laid new turf, timing your first mow correctly ensures the grass thickens out evenly and develops a deeper, more resilient root system. Mowing too soon can damage young blades or pull up turf before it’s rooted. Get the timing right, and your new lawn will grow in thicker and greener with every cut.

Wait Until the Grass Has Taken Hold

The timing of your first mow depends on how the lawn was established. For seeded lawns, wait until the grass reaches a height of five to seven centimetres. This usually takes around three to six weeks after sowing, depending on the season, soil temperature and moisture levels. For newly laid turf, mowing can usually begin around ten to fourteen days after installation once the turf has started to root into the soil.

You can check if turf is ready by gently lifting a cornerif there’s firm resistance, the roots have taken. For seed, look for even height and colour before considering mowing.

Mow on a Dry Day with Sharp Blades

When it’s time to mow, wait for a dry day with no frost or dew. Cutting wet grass can tear the blades and leave clumps that smother new shoots. Always use a sharp mower blade, as dull blades can fray young grass and leave brown tips.

Use a high cutting setting on the mower for the first mow. You should only remove the very tips of the grass, no more than one third of the blade’s height. The goal is to encourage horizontal growth and help the lawn thicken, not to reduce its height dramatically.

Avoid Heavy Traffic Straight After Mowing

After the first cut, try to limit foot traffic on the lawn while the grass continues to develop. The roots are still young and need time to deepen and spread. Give the grass a few days to bounce back before mowing again or using the area heavily.

Continue with light, high cuts for the first few mowings, lowering the height gradually only once the lawn shows signs of strong growth and resilience.

Don’t Feed Until After a Few Mows

Avoid fertilising a new lawn before its first cut. Feeding too early, especially with high-nitrogen fertilisercan lead to weak, leggy growth that’s vulnerable to damage. Wait until the lawn has been mown at least two or three times, then apply a suitable lawn feed to support thicker development and stronger root systems.

Final Word

Knowing when to cut a new lawn makes all the difference to how well it establishes. Wait until the grass is tall enough and properly rooted, choose a dry day, and make the first cut gentle and precise. With the right approach from the beginning, you’ll give your new lawn the best chance to grow evenly, resist stress, and look its best throughout the season.