Golden Polish autumn is a time of summaries in the garden. Leaves fall from the trees and you reap the last harvest. But what about the lawn? Should it be mowed until the first frost? When to put the lawn mower away for a well-deserved rest?
Lawn care in autumn is a key part of preparing for winter. Properly mowed grass will withstand frost better and will revive faster in spring. But mowing too late can weaken the turf and expose it to disease. How to find the golden mean?
Why is the last mowing of the grass so important?
Imagine grass like a bear preparing for winter sleep. He must gather adequate supplies to survive. Grass that is too tall before winter will be susceptible to fungal diseases , and if crushed by snow, it can “burn”. On the other hand, too short pruning will weaken its root system and make it difficult to regenerate in spring.
The last mowing of the grass is aimed at:
- Protection against diseases: Shorter grass is less susceptible to mold and mildew, which thrive in a humid environment under snow.
- Root strengthening: Mowing stimulates the grass to grow roots, which increases its resistance to frost.
- A better start in spring: Shorter grass regenerates faster and turns green after winter.
- Aesthetic appearance of the garden: Well-groomed grass is pleasing to the eye even in winter.
When to mow the grass for the last time of the year?
There is no one-size-fits-all date. The optimal time for the last mowing depends on several factors:
- Weather: If the fall is warm and humid, the grass grows longer. In this case, the last mowing may fall even at the beginning of November.
- Region: In warmer regions of Polish, the growing season is longer.
- Grass species: Some grass species grow faster and require more frequent mowing.
As a general rule: The last mowing of the grass should take place about 2-3 weeks before the first frost, when the temperature during the day drops below 10 degrees Celsius. This usually falls in October or early November.
How to mow grass before winter?
- Gradual shortening: Don’t cut the grass too radically. It is best to shorten it gradually in several stages, each time by about 1/3 of its length.
- Optimal height: The ideal height of the grass after the last mowing is about 4-5 cm.
- Sharp knives: The dull blades of the mower jerk the grass, which weakens it before winter. Make sure the knives are sharp and well sharpened.
- Dry grass: Only mow the grass when it is dry. Wet grass clumps together more easily and can clog the mower.
- Leaf raking: After mowing, rake the leaves from the lawn thoroughly. The leaves rot under the snow and can cause grass diseases.
What to avoid during the last mowing of the grass?
- Mowing frozen grass: Frozen grass is brittle and easily damaged.
- Too short mowing: Cutting too short will weaken the grass and make it difficult for it to survive the winter.
- Leaving mowed grass on the lawn: The cut grass can rot and form felt, which makes it difficult for air to reach the roots.
Summary
The last mowing of the grass is an important care procedure that affects the condition of the lawn and its appearance in spring. Remember to choose the right time and mowing technique so that your lawn survives the winter in good shape.
