When to Stop Mowing your Lawn in Fall?

Stop mowing your lawn in the fall when you experience at least 3 to 4 consecutive days of daytime temperatures below 50℉ (usually around late October or early November). When temperatures fall below 50℉, most warm-season grasses stop growing, and you can pack your lawn mower away until spring next year. Waiting until temperatures are consistently below this growing threshold is a reliable rule of thumb, but it's never quite that simple.

Factors including the state you live in, the US hardiness zone, the type of grass you're mowing, and seasonal fluctuations can heavily impact the final grass cut of the season. Our team at Mowrator has written a definitive guide to when to stop mowing your lawn for the last time, including signs to watch for, preparations for your last mow, and why timing matters.

During the fall, many homeowners consider lawn care routines. A common question arises: Should I mow before weed and feed? Mowing helps prepare your lawn for effective treatment, promoting healthy growth as the seasons change.

Learn the ideal conditions for mowing in our guide on When to Mow New Sod to ensure your lawn thrives.

Key Takeaways

• Stop mowing your lawn in the fall when temperatures consistently drop below 50°F for warm-season grasses or 40°F for cool-season grasses.
• Typically, these temperatures occur from late October to early November in northern regions and early to mid-December in southern regions.
• Monitor grass growth patterns, regional climate, grass type, and the timing of the first frost to determine when to mow your lawn for the last time in the fall.
• Mow your lawn 1 week before the first frost and follow the recommended mowing heights to prevent winter damage and diseases like snow mold.

What are Signs to Stop Mowing in the Fall?

While fall mowing is essential for lawn maintenance, don't forget to consider when to cut grass in spring as it sets the stage for your lawn’s health throughout the year. Proper spring cutting encourages vigorous growth heading into the warmer months.

Signs that you should stop mowing your lawn include changes in grass growth patterns, your regional climate, the type of grass you mow, and the timing of the first winter frost. Lawn care is complicated, and timing your last mow of the season can be tricky at the best of times. Be aware of these signs, and you'll slowly gain the experience to time the last grass cut of the year perfectly.

Get expert tips on maintaining your lawn post-overseeding by exploring When to Mow After Overseeding for the best outcomes.

Grass Growth Patterns

As the temperature drops, grass growth slows with the change in climate and reduced daylight hours. One golden rule for timing fall lawn care is, “If it's growing, keep mowing.” Moreover, if your grass has only grown a little (or not at all) since cutting it for the last time, then it's a sign that you should stop mowing your lawn.

Other visual cues may help you time the last cut of the year and tell you it's time to stop: grass changing color from green to brown or the absence of visible grass shoots.

Regional Climate Variations

When to stop mowing will depend on your region and its climate. If you're a homeowner in Minnesota, your time to stop mowing will likely happen earlier than if you were in Texas. These regional climate variations are essential to know, as without them, you may commit to your last grass-cutting before winter far too soon.

You can refer to the USA Hardiness Zone to get a better understanding of the growing seasons of various plants and types of grass.

Grass Type

The grass type you are mowing is also a significant factor to consider when to stop mowing your lawn. There are two kinds of grasses in the USA: cool-season grass and warm-season grass. Knowing which type of grass your lawn will help you understand their growth thresholds, the recommended mowing height, and the timing of your final mow.

As the name suggests, warm-season grass will stop growing sooner than cool-season grasses in most regions of America. A single day of weather that's below the grass growth threshold may not mean you need to stop mowing immediately. However, if the air temperature and soil temperature consistently fall below those markers, then you can be confident that the grass in your yard has stopped.

Choosing the proper mowing height will help reduce the risk of fungus and disease from growing on dormant grassroots during winter.

First Frost Timing

The first frost is when overnight water vapor freezes on grass blades because the air temperature drops below 32℉ (0 °C). Freezing signals when your grass blades shift from growing to preserving, which is vital to know if you want to take care of your yard. The timing of the first frost is also the final sign to answer the question, “When should I stop cutting my grass?”

Lawn care experts advise that you mow your lawn about 1 week before the first frost. Scheduling your mowing too late will disrupt your blade's transition, which leaves them vulnerable to cold stress as well as diseases like snow mold.

If you want to avoid mowing in cold, fall weather, consider upgrading to a remote-controlled lawn mower. Boasting the power of a gas mower and the convenience of an electric one, mowing while you stay warm has never been easier. Shop Mowrator's collection of remote-controlled lawnmowers today.

When to Stop Mowing Your Lawn in Fall FAQs

In which months is the mowing season in the United States?

The mowing season in the United States typically spans from March to October in most regions, with variations based on climate and grass type. In northern states like Minnesota, mowing begins in late April or early May and ends by October because of cooler temperatures and early frosts. In contrast, southern states like Florida experience year-round mowing due to their tropical climate. On average, homeowners in the USA mow their lawns about 25–30 weeks per year, based on homeowners from across the country.

When does grass grow the most?

Grass grows the most during spring and early summer. These seasons provide optimal conditions for growth, including moderate temperatures, longer daylight hours, and sufficient soil moisture. Studies published by the Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition show that grass growth rates can reach up to 72 kg of dry matter per hectare per day during peak seasons like spring and early summer. This is a considerable difference when compared to just 10 kg/ha/day in late fall and winter.

Back to Top: When to Stop Mowing Your Lawn in Fall