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Spring is the time when our lawns appear their freshest and greenest, becoming vibrant and lush due to frequent rains and rising temperatures. The mowing season is nearly here, but spring weather can be unpredictable, with drastic temperature changes and late frosts. At times, it may be best to hold off on using the mower for a little while longer, but waiting too long can also be detrimental. Here are the indicators that signal it’s time to commence mowing your lawn in the spring, from the optimal temperature to the ideal grass height.
1. Warm Enough Temperatures:
For cool-season lawns like fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass, temperatures must consistently exceed 50 degrees Fahrenheit for the grass to begin growing. Mowing a partially frozen lawn can harm the blades, so it’s crucial to avoid stressing a dormant lawn by cutting it while it’s still cold. For warm-season lawns such as Bermuda grass, centipede grass, and zoysia grass, they may not awaken until late spring, typically when soil temperatures reach 65 degrees. It’s advisable to wait until a warm-season lawn has fully greened up and started to grow.
2. Address Existing Lawn Issues:
Before starting to mow, ensure that any remnants of last fall’s leaves or pine straw are cleared from the lawn. Address any invasive weed problems before mowing to prevent spreading seeds around. This is also a good time to evaluate if overseeding the lawn is necessary.
3. Active Growth Visible:
Grass should only be cut when it is actively growing. Allow the grass to grow to a length that is 1/3 longer than the desired height before beginning to mow. The recommended height for warm-season grasses is usually 3-4 inches tall, while for cool-season grasses, it can range from 2.5-3.5 inches early in the season and increase to 3-4 inches when the weather warms up.
Additional Tips for Spring Lawn Mowing:
– Begin mowing before the grass becomes too long to prevent damaging the turf.
– Avoid mowing wet grass to prevent ruts and clumps that can suffocate the grass.
– Adjust the mower height according to the grass type, ensuring not to remove more than 1/3 of the blade length.
– Keep mower blades sharp for a cleaner cut and healthier grass.
– Fertilize cool-season grasses in spring around the first mowing, while warm-season grasses are best fertilized in late spring or summer.
For more information, you can refer to the original article on Southern Living.
