With the cold weather now upon us, many gardeners are turning to online searches for guidance on how to best care for their grass.
However, there’s one crucial lawn care task that could lead to disappointing results if not addressed appropriately before winter sets in.
Experts warn that the way we approach mowing during this season can significantly affect the quality of our lawns come spring and leave grass looking “lacklustre”.
Since late September, there has been an astonishing 9,900 percent rise in searches related to when to stop mowing lawns as the chill of autumn takes hold.
Gardening professionals at Yell have issued a series of tips to help green-thumbed Brits navigate lawn care this autumn without compromising future growth.
When to stop mowing your lawn
The last mowing should coincide with the end of the grass’s growth, typically occurring between October and November as temperatures decline.
However, with the UK experiencing unpredictable weather patterns, it’s not unusual for growth to persist into December.
If your grass continues to grow during winter, it’s advisable to trim it when it reaches a height of over three inches.
When mowing, remember to cut no more than one-third of the grass height at once to encourage robust growth.
What impacts your lawn in winter and what to avoid?
Shorter days: The reduced daylight hours during winter mean less time for your lawn to photosynthesise, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy, green lawn year-round.
If you mow too short, it diminishes the surface area of each grass blade, hindering its ability to grow and sustain itself.
Neglecting lawn care: Regular feeding and aerating are essential for fostering healthy grass growth.
According to Simon Akeroyd, Head of Estates and Landscapes at Painshill Park: “One of the most effective ways of improving the quality of the lawn in autumn and part of the autumn lawn care maintenance programme, is to aerate it.”
Aeration helps ensure that the roots receive ample oxygen, promoting their vitality.
This process involves creating small holes in the soil to facilitate air, water, and nutrient penetration.
Akeroyd explains: “Aeration helps to relieve compaction, increases drainage, which will reduce moss problems and increases airflow in the soil, which promotes healthier roots system and therefore a better and denser sward of lawn on the surface.
“You can then brush top dressing into the holes left by the fork to improve the quality of the soil in the root zone of the lawn.”
