When Should You Start Cutting The Lawn in The UK?
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As soon as spring comes around, we will all be looking to mow the lawn and begin getting the garden ready for the upcoming warmer months. This will mean dusting off the lawnmower and gardening tools and getting prepared for that all-important first cut of the lawn after winter. So, how do you know if it’s the right time to start cutting the lawn again?
If you want your garden to thrive in the summer months, it’s important to get that first cut right. Gardening expert Calum Maddock at HomeHow has created this guide on when you should make the first lawn cut of the year, along with some great tips for making that first cut.
When Is The Best Time to Start Cutting The Lawn in The UK?
In the majority of cases, you will need to start cutting the grass in March. However, the local conditions, the location of your property, and the weather conditions will all affect the date that you should start cutting your lawn.
The average date of the first lawn cut in the UK is 18th March. So, you should keep this number in mind when thinking about when is best for making the first lawn cut.
The grass will begin to grow when the soil temperature goes above six degrees Celsius. Before that, the grass will still remain dormant as it has over winter.
Tips on Cutting The Grass For The First Time After Winter
There are a few things you should keep in mind when making that first lawn cut after winter. Below is a list of tips on cutting the lawn for the first time each year:
Firstly, you will need to just take a small amount of grass off the top of the lawn on the first cut. It is recommended that you take off less than a third of the height on the first cut. If you cut the grass too close, this will stress the grass and could cause shallow roots, which could result in your lawn being more susceptible to diseases, drought, and bare patches. You can begin to progressively take more and more off the length of the grass in the following weeks as it starts to grow at a faster rate.
It is best to cut the grass later on in the day so that any potential frost has properly thawed and all dew has evaporated. It’s always best to cut the grass when it is dry, so you may need to cut off the first cut if it has been particularly rainy during March.
If the grass is too wet, the weight of the mower could cause some damage to the grass and may also compact the soil. This will then make it much more difficult for the grass to establish healthy roots needed for growth. If it’s been raining a lot or if the soil is heavy, it’s best to wait a few days before completing the first cut.
Tips For Cutting The Lawn in Spring
After completing the first cut, you should aim to mow your lawn at least once a fortnight. If the grass starts growing quite rapidly and if the weather conditions permit it, it is often better to cut once each week.
While the growth is good, regular cutting will help to keep your lawn looking neat and will ensure that it thrives moving into summer. Regular mowing also helps to eliminate weeds and will encourage denser ground.
Also, don’t forget about the edges of your lawn when mowing. Overgrown edges can make your lawn look quite unsightly. Immediately after mowing, trim the edges to keep your lawn looking as neat as possible.
It’s also best to avoid watering your lawn immediately after mowing. You only need to give your lawn water when it needs moisture. When you do water your lawn, it’s best to do this earlier in the day. Water late in the evening won’t give it enough time to dry out, and this could lead to fungal problems.
Also, avoid watering the lawn in the middle of the day as this is usually when the sun is the hottest, which can lead to the water evaporating too quickly, or the droplets may cause burning on the grass blades.
Final Thoughts
Mid-late March is seen as the best time to start cutting your lawn. However, it will depend on the conditions in your area. It’s best to keep an eye out for when the growth starts and ensure the soil isn’t too wet when making a decision on when to begin cutting the lawn.
