Before frost sets in, preparing and mowing your lawn, ensures it revives well when spring comes back. Most grass can not tolerate temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The last mowing time for your garden depends on the type of lawn grass your front yard has and the area you live in. If you live in Winnipeg, the first set of light frost comes in around mid to late September.
Reasons to Prep Your Lawn Before Frost
There are a ton of benefits to cutting back extra growth before frosty winter comes. With the right pruning and mowing of the lawn, when Spring comes you will get a bountiful luscious green lawn. Here are the reasons to mow your lawn before winter.
Grass Growth Slowdown: As temperatures drop, grass growth slows down naturally. Take this slowdown as a cue to conclude your regular lawn mowing routine.
Fall Clean-Up: In addition to lawn mowing, engage in a fall clean-up routine. Remove leaves, debris, and any lingering thatch to prevent potential issues during winter.
Regrowing in Spring: While mowing before winter frost, keep the grass a little taller than usual which ensures that the roots stay alive and bounce when the frost is gone.
How to Determine the Last Cutting Time Before Winter?
To determine when you should book your last lawn mowing, here are some tips:
Temperature Check: Keep an eye on local weather forecasts. Cease mowing when temperatures consistently hover around 50°F (10°C) or lower.
2-3 Weeks Before Frost: You should mow the lawn two to three weeks prior to the first frost. As the temperature drops, mowing the grass will help the grass get adjusted. Mowing two to three weeks before also leaves time for adjusting the height of the grass, in case it doesn’t frost.
Thinning Grass: As the temperature of the atmosphere drops, the grasses start to thin out. The growth of the grass slows down. This is a clear indication that the grass will die down eventually and you need to mow before Winter.
If you have booked lawn mowing service at the right time, do not scalp your lawn before winter. Instead, adjust your mower to leave the grass slightly taller than usual. This helps protect the crown of the grass from extreme cold.