When to Cut Lawn After Winter

When to Cut Lawn After Winter

As winter fades and temperatures begin to rise, one of the first tasks on the lawn care calendar is the first cut of the year. But timing this correctly is essential. Mowing too early can damage weakened grass and disrupt root development, while waiting too long can allow moss and thatch to take over. Knowing when to cut the lawn after winter helps set the stage for a healthier, stronger lawn throughout the growing season.

Wait for Consistent Growth

Grass begins growing again when soil temperatures rise above 5 to 6°C and daylight increases typically around mid to late March in most parts of the UK. However, the exact timing varies depending on your region, soil type and exposure. Don’t rely on the calendar alone. The best indicator that it’s time to mow is when the grass has visibly started to grow and stands taller than usual. If it still looks dormant or is showing patchy, pale growth, wait until it greens up and growth becomes more consistent.

Ensure the Lawn Is Dry and Firm

Before you reach for the mower, the ground needs to be firm and free from standing water, frost or excess moisture. Cutting wet grass or mowing on soggy ground can tear the turf, compact the soil and leave ruts that are difficult to repair. If you’re unsure, walk across the lawn. If your footprints leave dents or feel spongy underfoot, give it more time to dry out.

Use a High Setting for the First Cut

Your first mow after winter should be a light trim, not a close shave. Set the mower blades to their highest setting and remove only the tips of the grass. Cutting too low puts stress on roots that are still recovering from winter dormancy and can lead to shock, yellowing or scalping. The aim is to tidy the lawn, encourage horizontal growth and prepare it for more regular maintenance.

After the first cut, allow a few days for the lawn to respond. If the grass begins growing steadily, you can lower the blades slightly for the next mow. Gradually reducing the height over a few weeks avoids stress and helps establish a consistent growth pattern.

Clear Debris Before Mowing

Over winter, lawns accumulate fallen leaves, moss, twigs and general debris. Before mowing, it’s important to rake the lawn gently and clear any obstacles that could damage your mower or block even cutting. Removing debris also improves airflow and light exposure, which supports faster regrowth in early spring.

Avoid Cutting During Frosty Mornings

Even as temperatures begin to rise, cold nights and early frosts can still occur in March and April. Mowing during or immediately after a frost can crush or bruise the blades of grass and delay recovery. Always wait until the frost has lifted and the lawn surface has dried before cutting. If frost is forecast that night, it’s better to hold off until a warmer window.

Feed After the First Mow

Once the lawn has had its first cut, it's the ideal time to apply a spring fertiliser. Choose a feed designed to encourage early root growth and green-up. This helps the grass recover more quickly from winter and improves resistance to moss and weeds. Feeding at this stage also helps the lawn respond more strongly to future mowing.

Cutting Too Early Can Set the Lawn Back

It’s tempting to give the lawn a tidy-up on the first mild day of the year, but mowing too soon risks damaging grass blades and compacting wet soil. Grass that’s still dormant doesn’t respond well to cutting, and if the roots haven’t reactivated, recovery will be slow. Always prioritise root readiness over appearance. If you cut before the lawn is growing, you're removing energy reserves the grass needs to kickstart spring growth.

Moss and Weeds Might Appear First

Before the grass gets going, moss and early weeds like daisies or speedwell may begin to appear. While it can be tempting to mow them down straight away, wait until the grass is active so it can compete properly. Mowing too early might spread moss spores or encourage weak grass to fall behind. If moss is a concern, apply moss control first, then scarify and allow the grass to bounce back before starting regular mowing.

Mower Maintenance Matters

The first cut of the year is also the time when many problems are caused by blunt blades or poorly serviced mowers. Dull blades tear the grass instead of cutting it cleanly, which causes frayed tips, browning, and vulnerability to disease. Before the first mow, always check the mower is clean, sharp and adjusted to the correct height.

Cutting Height Depends on Lawn Type

For ornamental or low-traffic lawns, you might maintain a shorter cut later in spring. But for family lawns, shady areas or grass recovering from winter wear, it’s best to keep the cut slightly higher. A longer blade provides more surface area for photosynthesis, helping the lawn recover faster and suppress weeds more effectively in early spring.

First Cut Is a Test — Not a Routine

Think of the first mow as a reset rather than the start of weekly maintenance. Watch how the lawn reacts over the next week. If the colour improves and growth accelerates, you can start mowing more regularly. If the lawn looks stressed or patchy, ease off and let it recover with some light feeding and watering before continuing.

Shaded Lawns Wake Up More Slowly

Parts of your lawn in the shade such as areas near fences or beneath trees will often start growing a week or two later than exposed zones. You may want to avoid mowing those areas in the first pass or raise the blade further to reduce stress. In some cases, the first cut may need to be done in two stages, especially if the lawn has grown unevenly due to microclimate differences.

Final Word

Cutting your lawn for the first time after winter sets the tone for the months ahead. Wait until the grass is actively growing, the ground is firm, and conditions are mild. Start with a high blade setting and tidy the lawn gradually as spring takes hold. With the right timing and approach, your lawn will recover quickly and lay the groundwork for a healthy growing season ahead.