Between variable winters and expert advice, finding the perfect moment to mow can seem tricky. Yet mowing too early or too short can permanently weaken your lawn. Here are the benchmarks to act at the right time… and avoid common mistakes.
The perfect timing for a healthy lawn
The first mowing of the year is a key moment for your lawn’s health. According to gardening specialists, this first cut should be done when weather conditions are favorable and soil temperature rises above 6°C (about 43°F), thereby promoting grass growth. The window generally runs from mid-March to early April, though this can vary based on your geographic location and local weather conditions. This is because for grass growth to start, soil temperature must first stabilize at at least 6 ˚C.
A simple indicator: if you need to mow every two weeks because the grass is visibly growing, that’s a sign the season has truly started. No need to rush before this natural signal.
Wait for the grass to grow enough
Before starting the mower, it’s crucial to consider the impact on biodiversity and the health of your lawn. Experts recommend letting the grass reach a sufficient height, between 5 and 6 centimeters, before the first cut. In other words, during the first mowing, you should only remove the top third. This practice not only protects the soil from winter frost but also helps preserve wildlife, such as pollinating insects and small mammals, essential to maintaining your garden’s ecological balance.
Tip: set your mower to a high cutting height for this first cut (about 6 to 8 cm). A close trim in spring weakens roots and promotes weeds.
Smart biodiversity habit: always leave a small unmowed area (border or corner of the yard). It will serve as a refuge for insects and contribute to pollination.
Don’t cut the grass when it’s wet
Before mowing, it’s important to wait for dry weather. Wait for several dry days in a row and make sure the soil is dry. If not, the mower is likely to compact the soil with its weight. When it comes to the best time of day, go with the afternoon: the dew should have dried before mowing.
Why this is crucial: mowing on wet soil damages roots, leaves tracks in the lawn, and encourages disease development.
Other useful tip: alternate the mowing direction with each pass. This prevents the grass from always lying in the same direction and allows for a more even cut.
Common spring mistakes to avoid
With the return of warm days, certain habits can compromise the quality of your lawn for the entire season.
Classic traps:
- Mowing too early: the lawn isn’t yet in an active growth phase.
- Cutting too short: this weakens the roots and invites weeds.
- Mowing too infrequently: this places significant stress on the lawn.
- Raking up clippings every time: you deprive the soil of a natural input.
The right compromise: leave the mulching residues when they’re not too abundant. They naturally feed the soil and reduce watering.
How often should you mow after the first cut?
Once the first mowing is done, regularity becomes essential. In spring, growth is rapid: mowing once a week is generally ideal.
However, there’s no need to aim for a flawless lawn all the time. A mowing slightly spaced out promotes biodiversity and reduces maintenance.
Eco tip: during drought or hot weather, space out the mowing and leave the grass a bit taller. This protects the soil from evaporation.
