How To Time Your Lawn's Final Mowing Of The Season
Knowing when to stop mowing in the fall is key to keeping your lawn healthy and ready to bounce back strong in the spring. Stop mowing too soon, and your grass may mat down and become susceptible to disease. Mow too late, and you risk cutting into grass that is preparing for dormancy, which can stress the lawn and leave it vulnerable to winter damage.
This guide will walk you through when and how you should stop mowing your lawn for the season in Lincoln, NE!
Understanding Nebraska's Climate & Its Impact On Your Lawn
Before you can decide when to stop mowing, you need to understand the type of grass you have and how it reacts to Nebraska's seasonal weather patterns. Most Lincoln lawns are made up of cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, or perennial ryegrass. These grasses thrive in the cooler temperatures of spring and fall, which means they keep growing later into the year compared to warm-season grasses.
Nebraska's fall weather can vary, but typically, daytime temperatures start to cool significantly in late September and October. Cool-season grass growth slows down when soil temperatures drop below 50°F consistently, and growth nearly stops when the air temperature is consistently below 40°F. By paying attention to these temperature shifts, you can get a good idea of when your grass has stopped actively growing and is ready for its winter dormancy.
Signs That It's Time To Stop Mowing
Instead of relying solely on the calendar, watch your lawn for signs that it’s slowing down. As the days get shorter and cooler, you’ll notice the growth rate tapering off. If you normally mow every 5–7 days in the summer but find yourself only needing to mow every two weeks or so in late October, it’s a sign that the end of the season is near. When these signs are consistent, it’s time to prepare for your final mow.
- Slowed vertical growth: Grass blades stay about the same height for more than a week.
- Fewer clippings: Even after a mow, your bag or mulching deck produces very little material.
- Frost on the lawn: Once your lawn begins experiencing regular frosts, grass growth is minimal.
Timing Your Last Mow In Lincoln, NE
The average first frost date in Lincoln typically falls in mid-to-late October. This is an excellent indicator of when to plan your final mow. You’ll want to complete your last mow of the season shortly after growth slows down but before the grass goes fully dormant.
Aim for a final mow in late October or early November, depending on how warm or cool the fall has been. Your goal is to get the lawn to the ideal height for winter so it stays healthy and resists disease.
The Ideal Mowing Height Before Winter
The height of your grass before winter is crucial to its health. Many homeowners make the mistake of leaving the grass too long or cutting it too short during the last mow of the season.
Mowing to a moderate height strikes the right balance, allowing your lawn to photosynthesize while reducing the risk of disease. For cool-season grasses common in Lincoln, keep your grass between 2.5 and 3 inches for the final cut. Here’s why:
- Too short: Scalping the lawn before winter can expose the crown of the grass to cold damage and increase weed germination.
- Too long: Grass that is too tall may mat under snow, leading to snow mold or fungal diseases.
Best Practices For Your Final Mow
Many Lincoln yards have large shade trees that drop leaves well into November. It’s important to keep the lawn clear of heavy leaf cover before snow arrives. A thick layer of leaves can smother grass and create the perfect conditions for snow mold.
If you’ve already done your last mow but more leaves fall, use a leaf blower or rake to keep the lawn surface open to air and sunlight as much as possible. Your last mow of the season isn’t just about height; it’s also an opportunity to give your lawn the best start for next year.
- Sharpen your mower blades: A clean cut reduces stress on your grass.
- Mulch leaves if possible: Instead of raking, use your mower to mulch leaves into fine particles, which can return nutrients to the soil.
- Check for uneven spots: If you notice bare patches or thin areas, note them so you can address them with overseeding or fertilization in the spring.
- Avoid mowing on wet or frosted grass: This can damage turf and cause compaction.
Fertilization & Lawn Prep After The Last Mow
Late fall is one of the best times to fertilize cool-season lawns. Once you’ve completed the final mow, apply a winterizer fertilizer with a high nitrogen content. This helps the grass store energy in its roots over winter and green up more quickly when spring arrives.
This is also the time to winterize your lawn equipment. Drain fuel from your mower or add a stabilizer, clean off grass clippings, and store your mower in a dry place so it’s ready for next season.
Preparing For Nebraska Winters
Lincoln winters can be harsh, with snow, ice, and fluctuating temperatures. By stopping mowing at the right time and preparing your lawn properly, you minimize the risk of winter injury. Grass that goes into winter at the proper height with healthy roots will resist disease, survive freeze-thaw cycles better, and green up faster in spring.
During the winter, try to minimize foot traffic across frozen or snow-covered grass. Compacted snow or heavy use can damage turf crowns and leave brown patches that are slow to recover.
Call Summit For Lawn Mowing & Lawn Care In Lincoln, NE!
Knowing when to stop mowing your lawn for the year in Lincoln, NE is one of the simplest but most effective steps you can take for a healthy lawn. Pay attention to the weather, watch for slowed growth, and time your last mow around the first frost. Set your mower to about 2.5–3 inches, clean up leaves, and apply a winterizing fertilizer.
If you’d rather not keep track of mowing schedules yourself this fall, consider hiring Summit Lawns in Lincoln to handle mowing, leaf cleanup, fertilization, and other services that will get your lawn prepared for a restful winter and a healthy spring!
