Weather conditions can make significant changes to the health of your lawn, adjusting your mowing schedule accordingly can prevent stress and promote optimal growth.
Here’s how you should schedule your next mowing.
Avoid Mowing In Extreme Heat
Mowing during the hottest hours of the day in extreme heat can cause stress to the turf, which can lead to dark spots, increased susceptibility to disease, and lower overall resilience.
Ideal times to mow during warm weather are early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler. Mowing at these times minimizes the risk of heat stress on the turf.
Avoid Mowing In Cold Weather
While cool-season grasses thrive in cooler temperatures, mowing too early or too late in the day during cooler seasons can expose the turf to potential frost or dew, increasing the risk of disease.
It is best to mow your lawn when it is dry and the temperature is above freezing. Late morning or early evening mowing is recommended during the colder seasons as it allows the grass to recover before cooler night temperatures arrive.
Avoid Mowing In Wet Conditions
Mowing wet grass can cause clumping, uneven cuts and possible damage to the grass and the mower. It can also cause soil compaction as the weight of the mower can compress soil particles. The soil will not be able to absorb necessary nutrients and moisture, affecting the roots and overall health of the grass.
Adapt To Any Seasonal Changes
Schedule your mowing activities around changes in daylight hours. During the longer days of summer, you may have more flexibility in your mowing schedule. In regions where warm-season grasses go dormant in winter, mowing frequency may decrease and you should avoid over-stressing the grass.