Preparing Your Lawn for Winter: The Right Way to Cut Before the Freeze

A healthy lawn next spring starts with proper care now. Cutting your grass correctly before winter isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about preventing disease, controlling pests, and ensuring your lawn survives the cold months in good condition. Ignoring this step can lead to problems that linger well into the next growing season.

Why Fall Lawn Cutting Matters

Leaving your lawn uncut or too long heading into winter creates ideal conditions for fungal diseases like snow mold, which thrives in matted, damp grass. Overwintering pests also take advantage of tall, unmanaged growth, setting the stage for spring infestations. Proper mowing isn’t just about appearance; it’s a critical preventative measure.

When and How to Cut for Winter Readiness

The key is timing and height. Stop mowing when grass growth naturally slows or stops due to colder temperatures. The ideal height for a final cut is 2 to 2.5 inches for most cool-season grasses. Any taller, and heavy snow can cause matting, trapping moisture and encouraging disease. Cutting too short, however, deprives the roots of vital insulation against freezing temperatures.

5 Essential Fall Mowing Tips

1. Avoid Scalping: Cutting too short weakens the grass and leaves it vulnerable. Maintain the 2–2.5-inch height.
2. Hydrate Before the Freeze: Continue watering adequately until growth completely stops. Well-hydrated grass is more resilient.
3. Wait After Frost: Don’t mow immediately after a frost. Wait until the grass thaws and dries to prevent damage.
4. Mow and Mulch Leaves: Use a bag attachment to collect leaves while mowing, creating perfect compost material.
5. Mulch Strategically: Mulching mowers can shred leaves directly into the lawn as fertilizer, but stay ahead of leaf accumulation. Too many leaves smother the grass.

Post-Cut Lawn Preparation

Before the final cut, address soil compaction by aerating the lawn while the grass is still actively growing. After mowing, consider these steps:

• Fertilize (if needed): A light application of winterizer fertilizer can boost root strength.
• Overseed Bare Spots: Repair thin areas with fresh seed before the ground freezes.
• Remove Debris: Clear any remaining leaves or debris to prevent moisture buildup.

Investing a little time in proper fall lawn care now will pay off with a healthier, more vibrant lawn next spring.