Don't Put Your Lawn Mower Away Just Yet! Why Grass Cutting Doesn't Stop in Autumn

October is here, the leaves are falling, and many homeowners are preparing to put their lawn mowers away for winter. But with the mild autumn weather we're experiencing across Derbyshire and the East Midlands, you might want to think twice before booking that mower in for its winter service!

One of the biggest misconceptions about lawn care is that grass stops growing when summer ends. In reality, your lawn doesn't follow the calendar – it responds to growing conditions.

And with relatively mild temperatures, there's every chance we'll still be cutting grass well into November, December and potentially beyond.

Grass Doesn't Know It's Autumn!

Most UK lawns contain cool-season grasses, including perennial ryegrass, fescues and bentgrasses.

Unlike warm-season grasses, these species are adapted to growing in cooler conditions. In fact, the intense heat and drought of summer can sometimes restrict their growth more than the mild conditions we experience during autumn.

Grass growth is influenced by several factors, including:

• Soil temperature: Grass can continue growing while soil temperatures remain sufficiently warm, although growth slows considerably as temperatures fall.

• Moisture availability: Autumn rainfall often provides welcome relief following dry summer conditions.

• Daylight: Shortening days gradually reduce the amount of energy available for growth.

• Nutrient availability: Healthy, well-maintained lawns can continue producing new growth whenever conditions are favourable.

As a general guide, cool-season grass growth slows significantly when soil temperatures fall towards 5°C, although this isn't an absolute cut-off.

The important point? Just because it's October doesn't mean your lawn has finished growing.

Why You Should Continue Mowing Throughout Autumn

Regular mowing isn't just about keeping your garden looking presentable. It's an important part of maintaining a healthy lawn.

1. Preventing long, flattened grass

Allowing your lawn to become excessively long heading into winter can encourage the grass to collapse, particularly during prolonged periods of wet weather.

Long, flattened grass can trap moisture, restrict airflow and create conditions more favourable for certain fungal diseases.

Maintaining an appropriate grass height helps keep the lawn healthier throughout the colder months.

2. Keeping your lawn tidy as leaves begin to fall

Autumn brings another challenge: fallen leaves.

When leaves are allowed to accumulate on the lawn, they can block sunlight, retain moisture and smother the grass underneath.

Continuing to mow, particularly with a mower capable of collecting or finely mulching light leaf fall, can help manage this seasonal problem.

3. Encouraging a healthier lawn heading into winter

Grass that is maintained at an appropriate height is generally better prepared for the challenges of winter.

However, this doesn't mean cutting it extremely short.

Scalping your lawn before winter is one of the worst things you can do.

Removing too much leaf material reduces the grass's ability to photosynthesise and can leave it vulnerable to stress.

How Short Should You Cut Your Lawn in Autumn?

For many typical domestic lawns, a mowing height of approximately 40–50mm is a sensible autumn target.

However, the ideal height depends on the grass species, lawn condition, shade and how the lawn is used.

Lawns containing fine fescues, for example, may benefit from being maintained slightly longer, particularly in shaded areas.

As growth slows, you should gradually reduce mowing frequency rather than suddenly stopping altogether.

And remember the golden rule: avoid removing more than approximately one-third of the grass blade in a single cut.

Can You Really Cut Grass in December or January?

Absolutely – provided conditions are suitable.

It's not unusual for lawns in Derbyshire and the wider East Midlands to require an occasional cut during winter, particularly during extended mild spells.

However, there are some important precautions.

Avoid mowing when:

• The lawn is frozen or covered in frost.

• The ground is waterlogged or excessively soft.

• The mower is likely to leave ruts or cause soil compaction.

• The grass is too wet to achieve a clean cut safely.

A dry, mild winter afternoon can provide a perfectly suitable opportunity to tidy up an actively growing lawn.

The key is to mow according to conditions, not the month.

Should You Delay Your Lawn Mower's Winter Service?

If your lawn is still growing regularly, it may be worth holding off on putting your mower into winter storage.

There's little point sending your mower away for servicing in October if you're likely to need it again several times before Christmas!

That said, routine maintenance shouldn't be neglected. Keeping mower blades sharp is particularly important during damp autumn conditions, when blunt blades can tear rather than cleanly cut the grass.

If your mower is overdue essential maintenance or has a safety issue, don't delay getting it checked.

Otherwise, consider arranging your annual winter service once grass growth has genuinely slowed and your mower is no longer needed regularly.

Our Advice: Let Your Lawn Decide When Mowing Season Ends

At The East Midlands Lawn Care Company, we encourage homeowners to look beyond the calendar when caring for their lawns.

A healthy lawn requires attention throughout the year, and mowing is no exception.

With mild autumn conditions, sufficient moisture and grass that is still actively growing, there's every reason to continue cutting for as long as the weather allows.

So before you empty the fuel tank, clean the underside of your mower and tuck it away in the shed until spring, take another look at your lawn.

It might not be finished growing just yet!

Professional Lawn Care Across Derbyshire and the East Midlands

Looking after a lawn doesn't stop when summer ends.

From seasonal lawn treatments and scarification to aeration, overseeding and complete lawn renovations, The East Midlands Lawn Care Company provides professional, tailored lawn care services designed to improve lawn health throughout the year.

Whether you're struggling with moss, weeds, poor grass growth or simply want a thicker, healthier lawn, we're here to help.

Contact The East Midlands Lawn Care Company to discuss our professional lawn treatment programmes across Derbyshire and the surrounding East Midlands.

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