‘Don’t cut grass until this date and then use specific technique’

Gardening enthusiasts have been advised to hold off cutting their lawns until March, with specialists cautioning against the dangers of mowing prematurely. Following a prolonged autumn and winter period, numerous homeowners are keen to return to their gardens and give them a well-deserved tidy-up.

However, one specialist is cautioning that it’s premature to tackle overgrown grass and recommends waiting a while longer.

Chris McIlroy, lawn specialist at The Grass People, explained: “Gardens experience snow, frost, fallen leaves and heavy downpours over the winter, which can leave them looking a bit worse for wear. It might be tempting to get a head start on sprucing areas up for spring, but the lawn mower should stay in the shed for now.

“Mowing your lawn when temperatures are still on the colder side is a big risk. Grass should be actively growing when you mow, and that only happens when temperatures are above 8C to 10C consistently.”

‘Stalled growth’

Grass development halts during colder periods and specialists recommend longer lawns offer better protection against winter challenges. With February weather predictions still indicating low temperatures, The Grass People suggested March could be the earliest appropriate time to mow your lawn.

Mr McIlroy added: “February is likely to still be too cold, I’d suggest waiting until the first weekend of March and re-assessing the conditions then. Leaving your grass short allows winter cold and diseases to reach the grass roots easier, which can cause havoc.

“We can still experience winter conditions heading into spring, with colder temperatures bringing frost and snow. So it’s vital to keep checking the forecast. Some years, milder weather doesn’t arrive until April.”

Whilst the lawn mower ought to remain in storage for the time being, Mr McIlroy maintains there are methods to nurture the lawn in preparation for spring.

He said: “If you’re fed up with your lawn looking untidy, go out and clear up some of the debris that could have settled over the colder months. Twigs and leaves that have fallen from nearby trees and bushes can make your garden look unruly, but can also block the essential nutrients your lawn needs.

“After the challenging winter, your grass might need a boost from a fertiliser. It can help fight off diseases and prepare it for the months ahead.

“When you mow for the first time this year, ensure your mower blades are on the highest setting so you only trim the very top third of the grass. You can cut it shorter once you’ve seen how your lawn bounces back from this first mow.”

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