When is the best time to stop mowing your lawn?

Summer is a very demanding season for lawns: suffocating heat, intensive use of the lawn, barbecues and occasional parties outside... When the season comes to an end, it's time to take care of your garden.

Many people think that when the cold weather arrives, you should no longer mow the lawn, but that's not true. Your lawn doesn’t stop growing, its growth is simply slowed down. It’s important to mow your lawn as long as it continues to grow.

Depending on weather conditions, the best time for the last mowing is usually around the end of October, depending on the temperature and the rains. Since temperatures vary from year to year, be sure to monitor the growth of your lawn.

As soon as the cold nights begin, the grass will become dormant and stop growing. This is when you have to mow your lawn for the last time of the year. The last mow of the year should be about a week before the first frost.

Why is the last mow of the year so important?

With the onset of winter, cold, snow and frost are the biggest enemies of your lawn. The last mow of the year is important because it allows your lawn to resist disease during the winter and to be healthy once spring arrives.

Here are some reasons why the last mow before winter is important:

• A shorter lawn is more resistant to harsh winter conditions and the damage that can be caused by snow and ice.
• If the grass is too long, it will bend and sag under the weight of the snow. The tangled grass will be more vulnerable to mold and winter fungal diseases.
• The tangled grass will suffocate your lawn in the spring, so it won’t be very healthy and it won’t have the desired appearance.

Some tips to prepare your lawn for the winter

Use fertilizer

In the fall it is recommended to use a fertilizer rich in potassium. The fertilizers developed by Vertdure are the best option because they offer better frost resistance and they comply with the most recent and rigorous environmental standards.

They contain ingredients that prevent the appearance of fungi and they release nutrients gradually. They, therefore, reduce the loss of nutrients due to runoff.
In addition, they improve the structure and texture of the soil.

Aeration

Aeration promotes better rooting, better absorption of nutrients and better water infiltration. You can aerate at the end of summer when root growth is active and the soil is not dry.

Reseed bare patches

September is one of the best times of the year to reseed bare patches. Slightly loosen the soil with a rake, scatter the grass seeds, apply a thin layer of mulch and water. If the bare patches have appeared due to the action of fungi or the presence of moss, you should apply the appropriate treatment before reseeding the lawn.

Reduce mowing frequency

It is recommended to mow the lawn once a week from mid-May to September and twice a month at the end of the season.

Adequate watering

Watering should be limited to twice a week in September and once a week in October. However, you need to take into account the type of grass, the type of soil, evapotranspiration and precipitation. Remember that excess water can be as damaging to your lawn's health as the lack of it.

Remove plant debris

Make sure to get rid of debris such as twigs and leaves before winter arrives or your lawn may suffocate and be more vulnerable to fungal diseases.

If you have any questions regarding the maintenance of your lawn before winter, don’t hesitate to contact Vertdure’s team of experts. We will be happy to help you and give you professional advice!