When should you start mowing your lawn in the UK?
Most UK lawns are ready for their first cut between mid-March and early April, once the soil temperature reaches around 6 degrees Celsius and the grass begins actively growing. The exact timing depends on your region and the weather that year. In milder parts of southern England, including Cambridge, growth can start as early as late February in a warm winter. The first cut of the year should be light: set the mower to its highest setting and remove no more than a third of the grass blade length. This avoids shocking the plant and encourages it to thicken from the base rather than grow tall and thin. ELawnCare's booking data shows that 68% of Cambridge customers start their regular mowing schedule in March.
How often should you mow your lawn in the UK by season?
Mowing frequency in the UK follows a clear seasonal pattern. In spring (March to May), mow once a week as growth accelerates. During summer (June to August), mow every 7 to 10 days, or twice a week for a formal lawn. Raise the cutting height during hot dry spells to help the grass retain moisture. In autumn (September to November), reduce to fortnightly as growth slows. In winter (December to February), mowing is rarely needed, but a light top if the grass is still growing on a mild day does no harm. The most common mistake is cutting too short. The Royal Horticultural Society recommends keeping a utility lawn at 25 to 40 millimetres and a fine lawn at 13 to 25 millimetres.
What height should you cut grass in the UK?
Cutting height matters more than most people realise. In spring, start at the highest setting (around 40 millimetres for a utility lawn) and gradually lower it over a few weeks to your target height. In summer, keep the grass at 25 to 30 millimetres for a utility lawn, raising it to 35 to 40 millimetres during drought or heatwave conditions. Longer grass shades its own roots, retains soil moisture, and crowds out weeds more effectively than a closely cropped lawn. In autumn, raise the height back to 30 to 40 millimetres as growth slows. Never remove more than one third of the grass blade in a single cut, a principle known as the one-third rule, which prevents stress and yellowing.
When should you stop mowing in autumn?
The last regular mow of the year in the UK typically falls between late October and mid-November, depending on the weather. Growth slows significantly once soil temperatures drop below 5 degrees Celsius. In Cambridge, ELawnCare's data shows the average last mow date is 8 November, though in mild years it can extend to late November. The final cut should be at a slightly higher setting than your summer height, leaving the grass at around 35 to 40 millimetres to protect the crown through winter frosts. Avoid mowing when the ground is waterlogged or frozen, as this compacts the soil and damages the grass plants.
Can you mow a wet lawn?
Mowing a wet lawn is possible but not ideal. Wet grass clumps together and clogs the mower, leaving an uneven cut and dumping heavy clippings that can smother the turf below. If you must mow after rain, wait until the surface has dried even if the soil beneath is still damp. Use a mower with a sharp blade to reduce tearing, and collect clippings rather than mulching. Walking on wet ground also compacts the soil, especially on clay soils common in parts of Cambridgeshire. If the lawn is too wet to mow, it is better to wait a day or two than to cut it badly and spend weeks repairing the damage.