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Cutting the grass is one of the most important ways to keep your garden looking healthy. But after months of leaving the grass to grow, it can be a big chore to finally get out the lawnmower and give it a good trim. When should you first cut the grass this year?
The first grass cut after the winter can be particularly time-consuming, but it’s still absolutely essential.
Everyone should consider mowing their lawn regularly throughout the summer to maintain a tidy garden.
Every time you cut the grass, the lawn will grow back thicker and healthier.
When should you first cut the grass each year, and how often should you do it?
READ MORE: Last frost date – when is the last frost?
Is it too early to cut the grass?
It may be slightly too early to start thinking about trimming your grass.
Most people first mow the lawn at the start of April, after the temperature starts to rise.
You may, however, get away with cutting the grass toward the middle to end of March, if it’s a particularly mild spring.
But the date of your first cut will generally depend on whereabouts you live in the UK.
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People living in the south of England generally have a warmer climate, which means grass growth will start slightly earlier.
If you live in the north of Scotland, your lawn may be a few weeks behind.
Whenever you do come to cutting the grass, you should make sure you do it on a high cut setting.
If you plan on growing your grass to attract wildlife, you can leave it uncut for the entirety of spring.
The Royal Horticultural Society said: “The mowing regime is an important part of maintaining a healthy lawn.
“The cutting height and mowing frequency will depend on the purpose and look you want to achieve, whether it be a close-cut ‘classic’ lawn or longer-grassed wildlife lawn.
“Mowing is carried out mainly between March and October. Over spring and autumn: For a conventional lawn mow once a week.
“Leave flower-rich and long-grassed lawns uncut in spring, unless growth is very vigorous.”
You should avoid rushing out to mow the lawn on the first day of meteorological spring (March 1), however, as the grass will still be frosty.
Mowing the lawn when it’s frosty or wet can damage the turf in the long-term.
You should avoid excessively close mowing of the lawn, as it can actually make the garden more susceptible to drought and weeds.
If you’re not sure about how much grass to cut, the general rule of thumb is to avoid removing more than a third of leaf shoots in one go.
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