When to Mow Your Lawn After Winter for Lush, Healthy Grass

The arrival of spring means it's time to bring your lawn mower out of storage for the season. Depending on where you live, grass typically starts growing again by March and may even be getting long and unruly by April. Whether you're eager to fire up the lawn mower or not, don't wait too long to give your grass its first chop. The inaugural mow of the season removes dead leaves and debris, allowing your grass to access more sunlight. To help you achieve a healthy spring lawn, we spoke to experts who weighed in on the best time to start mowing your lawn after winter. 

When to Mow Your Lawn After Winter

Cool-season grasses can be mowed earlier than warm-season grasses, typically in mid-March once the snow has melted. Cool-season grasses grow quickly in the spring, and waiting too long to make the first cut can stress the lawn unnecessarily, says horticulture extension specialist Aaron Steil. "Avoiding this mistake allows the lawn to start in a much better place, making it healthier in the long run," he says.

Wait to cut warm-season grasses until the grass starts growing again in spring, typically around the end of March. "Don't be in a hurry to start mowing," says landscape designer Teresa Watkins of warm-season grass. "Depending on your grass species, wait till you see 2 to 3 inches of new growth throughout your yard so that you mow evenly. Mowing your lawn when it's not fully growing can cause you to scalp your faster-growing grass in some spaces," she says.

Tips for the First Mow 

Keep these tips in mind to ensure healthy, lush grass all spring and summer long.

Sharpen the Blades

Sharpen or replace your lawn mower blades before making the first cut of the season. Wear and tear from the previous season may have dulled them. Your blades will still cut, but sharp blades are best because they cut the grass more precisely, which is healthier for the lawn.

Wait Until the Grass Is Dry

Wait until the grass is dry before mowing. If you're using a rotary mower, Steil recommends mowing in the afternoon. "This is because the grass is dry, and the clippings are more easily spread out," he says. If you absolutely have to mow your grass when it's wet, Steil says to rake up the clumps of wet clippings afterward to avoid smothering the grass underneath.

Leave the Cuttings

As long as they're dry, leave your grass clippings on the lawn after making the first cut to give your lawn a boost. "Leaving your grass clippings on your lawn is the equivalent of fertilizing once a year," says Steil. "Your new grass will grow fine through the dead grass." 

How Often to Mow After the First Cut

Once you've completed the first mow of the season, don't wait too long before cutting your grass again. The second mow gives the lawn a clean and tidy appearance. "Many gardeners will mow approximately every seven days in spring, but the frequency depends on the growing conditions and cutting height," says Steil.

Be careful not to cut away too much, which you can gauge by researching your grass species' optimal height. "You never want to cut off more than one-third of the total leaf blade in a single mowing," says Steil. If you prefer short grass, mow when the grass reaches 3 to 3 3/4 inches tall. If you like the look of a taller lawn, mow when the grass reaches 4 1/2 to 5 1/4 inches tall.

Caring for the Lawn After the First Cut

It's helpful for your lawn if you mow it in different patterns and directions each time. This helps prevent repeated tire compaction and can keep the soil in better condition. It's easy to fall into a habit of mowing the same pattern each time, so try to shake things up periodically. 

Make sure your lawn receives about an inch of water each week and an application of fertilizer in spring. That said, be careful not to give your lawn too much water or fertilizer, as this will lead to thatch issues in your lawn, says Watkins.