When should I start mowing my lawn in spring? Garden experts reveal secrets to getting the timing right

As spring arrives, you might be able to feel the warmth of the sun and hear the birds singing, but does that mean it's now time to start mowing your lawn? If you're not sure whether you should be firing up the mower just yet, help is at hand.

Although you might be up to speed with how often to mow a lawn, knowing when to begin mowing at the start of the growing season can seem more problematic. Too late and you could be faced with pushing the mower through long, unruly grass causing untold damage; too early and there are fears of it never recovering.

According to the lawn experts, however, there’s no set date in spring lawn care to give your lawn the first cut of the year, but it turns out there a few key signs to look out for. To help take the stress out of the all-important decision in answer to 'when should I start mowing my lawn in spring?' We’ve consulted garden experts on the matter. Here's what they advise.

When should I start mowing my lawn in spring?

‘There is no specific date at which to begin mowing your lawn in the spring,’ says Eric DeBoer, agronomist and Assistant Professor at LSU AgCenter. ‘If soil temperatures have risen north of 50°F your grass is probably initiating some sort of growth.

'It can be good to get out there pretty early on, as sort of hitting the reset button prior to beginning the year. Just don't wait too long, where you will be scalping really long grass; this can be counterproductive.’

With that in mind, garden experts say there are a few tell-tale signs it's time to get your lawn mower out:

Observe your lawn's growth before mowing

The exact date you should start cutting the lawn after winter really depends on a few different factors, such as your location, the current climate and the condition of the lawn.

‘In general, you should wait until the grass has started to grow actively and is at least three inches tall before you begin mowing,’ says Stacie Krljanovic, head groundkeeper in Houston, TX and an advisor for Patio Productions. ‘In many areas, the spring season brings a period of rapid grass growth, and you may need to mow your lawn as often as once a week to keep it looking neat and healthy.’

This stage of growth often occurs around mid to late March in cooler and temperate regions, but it’s well worth monitoring the growth rate for a few of weeks before deciding to dust the mower off.

Another reason to allow your lawn to first grow a few inches tall is it will 'allow the grass to fill out evenly and help prevent scalping,' notes Lina Cowley, garden expert and Senior Editor at TrimmedRoots.com.

Eric DeBoer

Eric is an agronomist and Assistant Professor at LSU AgCenter. Eric advises on a wide range of lawn care matters.

Lina Cowley

Lina Cowley is a Master Botanist and Senior Editor at Trimmed Roots. She has a deep-rooted passion for plants and extensive knowledge in botany. Her expertise is in plant care, garden design, and sustainable gardening practices.

Check the condition of your lawn before mowing

Besides temperature and climate, there are few other factors that can influence your lawn’s growth rate and when you'll need to get your lawn mower out for the first cut of the season.

‘If your lawn is in good condition and has been properly cared for throughout the fall and winter, it should be ready for mowing by late March or early April,' says Stacie. 'However, if your lawn is in poor condition, it may need some extra care and attention before you start mowing. This might include dethatching, aerating your lawn, fertilizing your lawn, and overseeding, all of which can promote healthy grass growth and prepare the lawn for the growing season.

'In any case, it's a good idea to keep an eye on the condition of your lawn and adjust your mowing schedule as needed to ensure that the grass is growing healthily and looking its best.’

Getting the best mower height for a spring lawn is also a good idea to ensure you're cutting it properly early in the season and avoiding lawn mower mistakes.

Get your spring lawn in shape with these essential tools

Stacie Krljanovic

Stacie has been working in landscaping for 15 years and has been a lead groundkeeper for the last five, and loves it. As well as this, she works as an advisor at Patio Productions.

FAQs

When should you avoid cutting the grass in spring?

If you've recently planted grass seed, cutting a newly sown lawn too early can halt its development resulting in a sparse and patchy lawn. Make sure you wait until the grass blades have grown to at least two inches tall before mowing for the first time. Set mower blades high to avoid stressing the plants and allow a rest period of five-to-seven days before repeating.

Cutting the grass too early or too late in the day can also cause problems. Mowing too early when dew is still on the ground can cause the mower blades to clog up and grass to be pulled rather than cut. A cut in late afternoon or evening can lead to fungal spores taking hold and developing overnight.

Knowing the answer to 'when should I start mowing my lawn in spring?' isn't the only thing to prioritise on your spring gardening checklist. Make sure to apply the best fertilizer for grass in spring, too, to encourage a thick, green lawn for the warmer months.