Grass-cutting Schedule Adjustment: Uncovering the Two Inopportune Times to Trim Your Lawn and Discussing the Ideal Moment for It
In the world of lawn maintenance, timing is everything. According to Greg Cuoco, CEO of The Difference Landscapes, a New Hampshire-based landscape design, installation, and lawn maintenance firm, understanding when to mow your lawn can significantly impact its health and appearance.
Turf professionals agree that the worst times to mow a lawn are early morning, after rain or irrigation, and mid-afternoon. Mowing when the grass is damp with dew can lead to clumping and increase the risk of lawn diseases. It's best to avoid mowing immediately after rain or watering, as wet grass is messy and can cause clumping, sticking to equipment, and spreading diseases. Mid-afternoon is typically the hottest part of the day, causing stress to both the grass and the person mowing. High temperatures can lead to heat stress and damage to the lawn.
In contrast, mid-morning and late afternoon to early evening are considered the best times to mow. The air is cooler, and the grass is dry, reducing stress and disease risk. Steve Peeler, an agronomist with Simple Lawn Solutions, suggests that it is best to wait until the dew has cleared or been removed before mowing. Mowing between 4 pm - 6 pm can be less stressful for the grass as it is not as scorched from the midday sun.
Regular mowing is necessary for maintaining a healthy and attractive lawn. However, it's important to give the lawn time to heal after mowing before temperatures drop at night to avoid fungal attacks. Mowing early in the morning is unsociable and risks the health of the lawn, potentially ruining any ambitions for a green and thick lawn.
The FAQs also suggest that lawns should be started to be mowed again in spring once the temperatures rise and the grass is actively growing again. In the fall, it is best to avoid mowing once the grass stops growing and goes dormant for winter, and before the first frosts. Mowing during the hottest part of the day (between midday and 4 pm during the summer) places stress on your turf and is not good for your lawn or yourself.
Steve Peeler, an agronomist with decades of hands-on turfgrass experience, claims that the worst time to mow a lawn is during the hottest part of the day. Hot afternoon sun can stress newly clipped grass blades, making them more prone to disease and drying out. Mowing between 4 pm - 6 pm can be less stressful for the grass as it is not as scorched from the midday sun.
By following these expert tips, you can ensure a healthy, green, and attractive lawn all year round. So, before you reach for the lawn mower, remember to check the time and the weather, and give your lawn the best chance to thrive.
1) Mowing during the hottest part of the day, such as between midday and 4 pm, increases stress on your lawn and should be avoided for a healthier and more attractive lawn.2) For a home-and-garden lifestyle that includes a well-maintained lawn, it's essential to observe the best times for mowing: mid-morning and late afternoon to early evening are preferred, while early morning, after rain or irrigation, and mid-afternoon are not ideal due to increased disease risk and stress to the grass.
