When Should You Mow Your Lawn for the Last Time This Year?

The end of the lawn mowing season is right around the corner for many homeowners in the U.S. How far north you live will determine when you get to drop this chore from your to-do list.

When to Put Away the Lawn Mower for Good This Year

Mowing season generally ends in late September or early October across the northern U.S. Lawns farther south will need to wait until November or December to stow away the lawn tools for winter. Meanwhile, some parts of Southern California and Florida may need to mow periodically all year long.

Savvy gardeners know that the first frost of the season may mean that the growing season for plants is over;  however, the lawn may continue to grow. In addition, the type of grass influences when the mowing season is over. According to Penn State Extension, cool-season grasses such as fescue, ryegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass are able to withstand colder temperatures and thrive well after the first frost.

Conversely, warm-season grasses such as St. Augustine and Bermuda do best in hotter climates. This means that they start to die sooner when the temperature drops.

The elevation, shade coverage, soil moisture, and slope of the yard also factor into when the grass will go dormant. Experts recommend waiting two weeks after what you think is the final mow to determine how much the grass is growing. If the grass is still growing at a robust rate, you probably need to take another pass.

This two-week approach may prove especially wise this season due to the unseasonably warm temperatures predicted for most of the country. The warmth may mean that you need to keep the mower handy for a bit longer than you normally do.

Impacts of Drought on Lawn

The ongoing drought in the western third of the U.S. may also impact the timing of the last mow of the season. Dry weather naturally slows down the growing rate, meaning that lawns may die out sooner.

For instance, drought conditions in Denver have prompted city officials to enact watering restrictions. Beginning October 1, residents will be subject to fines of up to $12,000 if they are caught watering their grass. It is a good idea to check your community's watering restrictions if you live in an area that has been facing drought.

Before you store the lawn equipment for the winter, keep in mind that the mower may be useful in shredding light leaves even after the grass has died. A light covering of dry leaves works as compost for the lawn, promoting health into the spring season.

That said, too many leaves will create more issues if they are not removed. Thick and wet leaves block sunlight from reaching the lawn, trapping moisture and supporting the development of disease.

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