When to Mow Lawn After Winter
As the weather warms up, it’s tempting to jump into lawn care mode and fire up the mower to bring your lawn back to life. After months of cold, brown bermudagrass, the sight of green grass feels like a distant dream. But before you rush into mowing or scalping your lawn, knowing the best timing to protect your grass and promote healthy growth is essential.
Why timing matters
Scalping may seem like a great way to kick-start your lawn’s spring recovery, but doing it too early can do more harm than good. Scalping involves cutting warm-season grasses like bermudagrass very short, removing the dormant grass, and exposing the soil. While doing this in the right conditions is beneficial, timing is crucial.
Throughout the winter, your dormant Bermudagrass has acted as a protective barrier, insulating the soil and roots from the cold. If you scalp your lawn too early, you risk exposing it to late freezes, which can damage the new growth and delay the greening-up process. In Tulsa, where we often see freezing temperatures as late as mid-April, early scalping could lead to severe setbacks and, in some cases, even kill sections of new turf.
When to mow your lawn in Tulsa
Patience is key when it comes to mowing after winter. While mowing at the first sign of warmth is tempting, waiting for the right moment is essential. You’ll want to hold off on scalping until the risk of frost has passed, typically around mid-to-late April. If you scalp too soon, you’ll risk setting your lawn back, especially if another freeze occurs.
Before you scalp, it’s okay to lightly mow your lawn, but be sure to raise the mowing deck so that you don’t remove too much of the dormant grass. A light trim is all you need to keep things neat without disturbing the protective layer of grass.
Common mowing mistakes to avoid this spring and all season-long
- Mowing too short (scalping): Cutting grass too short exposes the soil to excessive sunlight and can cause the grass to stress, weaken, and die. Always follow the recommended grass height for your lawn type, and remember to adjust your mower deck accordingly.
- Mowing wet grass: Mowing when the grass is wet can cause clumping and clogging in your mower, leading to uneven cuts. Damp grass also sticks to the blades and leaves behind a mess.
- Mowing at the wrong time of day: Mowing during the heat of the day can stress the grass. It’s better to mow when the grass is drier, and the temperatures are cooler.
Using a dull mower blade: A dull mower blade tears the grass instead of cutting it cleanly, which can leave the grass vulnerable to disease and pests. Make sure to sharpen the blades regularly for a clean cut. - Mowing in the same pattern every time: Mowing in the same direction or pattern every time can lead to compaction and ruts in the lawn. It’s best to change up your mowing pattern every few weeks to avoid this.
- Mowing too often or not enough: Mowing too often can remove too much of the grass, weakening it. On the other hand, letting your grass grow too long between cuts can lead to overgrowth and stress on the lawn. Aim to mow when the grass reaches about 1/3 of its ideal height.
- Neglecting lawn maintenance between mows: Failing to remove debris, rocks, or branches before mowing can damage your mower and make it harder to get an even cut. Always clear the area before mowing.
What about mowing fescue and cool-season grasses
If you have cool-season grasses like Fescue, your lawn might not need much attention. Fescue grasses often stay green through the winter and might need a light mow to maintain a neat, uniform appearance. Unlike warm-season grasses, cool-season grasses should never be scalped. Instead, give them a light trim to keep them healthy as the temperatures rise.
Need expert lawn care in Tulsa? Call Nutri-Green Lawn Care!
Not sure what kind of grass you have or when to mow your lawn? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! At Nutri-Green Lawn Care, we’re local lawn care experts who understand homeowners' unique challenges regarding grass types and seasonal changes. We are happy to help property owners in Bixby, Broken Arrow, South Tulsa, and throughout our service area determine the best mowing schedule and provide personalized recommendations to keep your lawn thriving all year round.
Whether you need help identifying your grass type or want expert lawn treatments to support healthy growth, our team is here for you. With years of local experience, we know exactly what your lawn needs to stay beautiful and healthy.
If you're ready to kick off the season with a lush, green lawn, call us today. Let Nutri-Green Lawn Care help you create the lawn of your dreams!
This blog was originally published on March 20, 2020; it has been updated to reflect the most up-to-date information.
