Lawns: When to cut?

Lawns should be cut between March and October, with an occasional light cut in early winter when the weather is mild. Getting the correct frequency correct during this period depends on a variety of factors including lawn type, variety of seed, weather, soil fertility, grass vigour and time of year.

Instead of using the time of year, it would be better to look at the actual height of the grass as the best indicator. At the time of cutting, the grass should not be more than 15mm or so above the recommended height.

As a rough guide, cut the lawn approximately twice a week when the grass is growing in the summer and cut once a week in spring, autumn and if the weather is dry for any length of time in summer. By cutting the grass less than once a week when the grass is in full growth in summer, this will shock the grass plants and result in the plants vigour being reduced and enabling weeds to invade. If when you get back from holiday, the grass has grown too whilst away on holiday, give it a fine cut to just remove the tips of the blades followed by another cut a few days later with a reduced height, then again a few days later to the recommended height. 

Recommended lawn cut heights

Lawn Care:
 Jobs to do
 Equipment
 Mowing
 When do I cut my grass?
 Top dressing
 Feeding
 Watering
 Trimming
 Raking and brushing
 Aerating 
 Liming and Rolling

Lawn Problems:
 Pests
 Diseases
 Weeds
 Brown patches
 Repairs