These Are the Worst Times of Day to Mow Your Lawn, According to Experts

While some homeowners find regular lawn mowing a soothing, nearly meditative part of their spring and summer landscaping routine, others find it an endlessly repetitive chore. But no matter which category you fall into, a consistent mowing routine is essential for a thriving landscape.

However, when it comes to the time of day you cut, not all hours are created equal—and cutting at the wrong time can have negative long-term effects on your grass. "Mowing causes stress on your lawn, and a stressed lawn is more open to disease and slower growth," says landscape contractor Coleman Cosby of Yardzen. "The less impact, the quicker recovery time, and the better the health of your grass."

Heat, moisture, and sun exposure—which change throughout the day—can all impact your lawn post-cutting. To boost your yard's overall health, we spoke to lawn care experts who shared the worst times of day to mow your lawn.

The Worst Times of Day to Mow Your Lawn

There are two times of day when experts say you should never mow your lawn.

In the Morning

While it's tempting to mow your lawn early in the day to check it off your to-do list, experts say to resist mowing first thing in the morning. "Early morning can be the worst time of day to mow, specifically if it's still wet with dew," says Cosby. "Wet grass doesn't cut well, clogs mowers, and dulls blades, as well as spreads diseases more easily." You should also avoid mowing after a rainstorm for the same reason.

In the Afternoon

Avoid mowing in the middle of the day, especially during the hottest months of the year, says Lori Johnson, president of The Grounds Guys, a Neighborly company. Exposing just-cut grass blades to excessive heat can damage or dry them out. Saving the task for later benefits you, too: "Minimize your risk of heat stroke by performing the mowing task during the cooler portions of the day rather than the extreme midday heat," she says.

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The Best Time of Day to Mow Your Lawn

Late afternoon is the best time to mow your lawn. "The grass has had a chance to dry out, but you're not exposing the fresh cut blades to the strongest heat of the day," Crosby says. Waiting until late afternoon also protects you from mowing under the hot summer sun. But don't wait too long or your lawn faces a different moisture-related risk. "Too late, and the cut blades don't have a chance to recover before night moisture sets in, opening the grass up to funguses," he says.

Mowing Tips

Keep these mowing tips in mind for optimal lawn health.

• Adapt to the season: Your lawn's mowing needs will change with the seasons, and you'll need to adjust accordingly. "Lawns will grow stronger and faster during the spring and early summer months than when the heat of the season kicks in and moisture isn’t as readily available," says Johnson. "You may need to mow more frequently in the spring than towards the end of the summer."
• Wait to mow new grass: If you're working with new grass seed or sod, don't mow it at all until the new growth is the same height as the rest of your lawn.
• Trim around watering system: If you use a watering system, trim the grass around it. "Make sure to cut grass away from spray heads so the spray pattern is not obstructed, which can lead to spotty coverages and browning in areas of the lawn," says Cosby.
• Cut your lawn on a schedule: Cut your lawn consistently, even if not always at the ideal time of day. "Whichever you decide, don’t wait too long between mowings to avoid clumping (for mulched yards), uneven cuts, and extra effort on your part to mow through taller, thicker grass," says Johnson.