When to Mow the Lawn

The lawn care and mowing calendar is not the same in Aberdeen as it is in York and it’s different again in Brighton.

I’m used to the climate in Yorkshire so here is the Lawnsmith ‘Yorkshire Mowing Calendar’. If you are in Aberdeen you’ll be running a week or two behind in the spring and a week or two ahead in autumn. The reverse will be true for those basking in Brighton!

March Growth will be starting in spring so start your lawn mowing with a high cut on preferably dry grass if possible.

April Sometime this month as temperature and growth increases frequency will increase with 2weeks then 10 days then perhaps down to weekly mowing.

May & June Mow frequently during this time; weekly if possible. You can also lower the cutting height but I wouldn’t go below about 4cm (1.5″) unless you’re wanting more work than necessary.

July & August

• If dry, growth will slow but do mow at least every two weeks
• If hot and dry: as above but raise the mowing height
• If moisture levels are good mow as for May & June

September The autumn rains make the end of August and September a good growing time so mow frequently. You can also lower the cut if you raised it for the summer but if your lawn is prone to moss you want to be raising the mowing height not lowering it.

October Mowing will all but finish so raise the cut to winter height.

November More than likely the last regular cut of the year. If you have a rotary mower use it on a dry lawn to suck up autumn leaves.

Winter Lawn Mowing A light high cut (topping) at any time to keep the lawn looking smart is in order. There is no reason to have a ‘scruffy’ looking lawn for one third of the year. The soil should be on the firm side and definitely not soft. Squeegee (see How to Mow Wet or Long Grass) the grass if it is wet. Do not mow on a frosty lawn or if frost/freezing due within 24 hours of mowing. Be careful with turns at this time of the year as this can damage the grass.