When to stop mowing your lawn before winter to avoid yellowing grass
Garden enthusiasts can look forward to a respite from one of the most strenuous tasks in their patch as the time to stow away the lawn mower for the year is fast approaching.
Understanding when to halt the trimming of your lawn before winter is crucial since it ceases to grow, and cutting too short could inflict harm on the grass. James Ewens, Green Feathers' gardening expert, has warned that persistent mowing at the incorrect time could cause undue stress on the grass and potentially lead to a less robust lawn once temperatures rise.
James said: "While it's not a hard and fast rule, if gardeners cut their grass too late in the year - after it has gone dormant - then they risk damaging the blades and roots, making the lawn more susceptible to diseases, pests, and winter damage. Effectively, one cut too late could undo all the hard work you've done over the past spring and summer!"
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During the colder months, grass conserves nutrients within its roots, and a dormant period trim can deplete these reserves, hampering the grass's capacity for photosynthesis, reports the Express.
Consequently, once spring dawns, the grass might appear frail or discoloured, necessitating extra effort to restore its vibrant green vigour. To determine when to stop mowing before the onset of winter.
Cease the lawn maintenance when the average temperature dips below 10C, as the reduced daylight hours will markedly decelerate grass growth.
James explained: "To determine when to stop mowing your lawn for the season, look for signs like slowed growth, changes in leaf colour on nearby trees, and a consistent height of blades, while paying close attention to weather patterns. If frost is in the forecast, your grass will need a few weeks to strengthen its roots and prepare for winter dormancy."
Gardeners across the UK are advised to time their last lawn cut of the year based on regional climate variations, with coastal areas typically experiencing milder winters than inland locations.
James added: "The goal should be to give your lawn one last cut before it goes dormant - which is impacted by the factors mentioned above along with the type of grass - but after it has stopped growing significantly. By timing your last cut of the year perfectly, your lawn can enter the winter season with a healthy and lush appearance and a strong root system, laying the foundations for healthy growth and a quick recovery in spring."
Here's a guide on when to give your lawn its final trim before winter, depending on where you live in the UK:
London - Late October.
Bristol - Late October.
Manchester - Late October to early November.
Birmingham - Late October to early November.
Leeds - Late October to early November.
Liverpool - Late October to early November.
Newcastle - Late October to early November.
Glasgow - Late October to early November.
Edinburgh - Late October to early November.
Cardiff - Late October.