The Greener Guide to Mowing Matters & More – The Final Fall Cut

As we move toward winter’s chilly grip, it's time to adjust your lawn care strategies to keep your grass safely sleeping through winter and thriving for spring. One key step is the final mow of the season. Done correctly, this last cut sets lawns up for endurance that helps prevent common winter lawn stress, disease, and animal invasions. Let’s explore what matters most for the final lawn mowing of fall.

Timing: When Should You Do Your Final Mow?

In general, you should plan your last mow when grass growth noticeably slows down. In Southeastern Wisconsin and the Midwest, this happens in late October to early November when daytime temperatures fall below 50°F, but before the first big frost hits. For the best timing, check online for regional soil temperatures to stay consistently around 50°F several days in a row, which typically occurs as the nights grow colder.

How Short Should You Cut the Grass?

For the final mow, it's advised to lower the mower blades and trim the grass shorter than usual, but not too short (remember, regular mowing should maintain a 3.5- to 4.5-inch-tall cut)! Ideally, the grass should be 2 to 2.5 inches tall after your final cut.

Here’s why:

•  Helps prevent Mold and Snow Mold: Grass left too long (over 3 inches) can get pressed down by snow, creating an environment ripe for snow mold, a fungal disease that loves cold, wet conditions. Trimming the grass to 2 – 2.5 inches helps avoid this issue and keeps the grass breathing through winter.

•  Helps keep Burrowing Animals Away: Shorter grass discourages animals like voles and moles from burrowing and making tunnels beneath the snow. Tall grass provides cozy cover for these critters, so a shorter lawn removes their protective layer.

•  Encourages Spring Growth: Grass that’s too long entering winter can lay flat and smother itself. Keeping it shorter lets more sunlight reach the soil in spring, promoting healthy, early growth.

The Importance of a Clean Cut – Sharpen the Blades!

Sharp mower blades are one of the most overlooked reasons for lawn damage at any time of the year, but they are even more critical in the fall. Dull blades tear the grass, causing browning and over-use of stored energy.  Stress lowers immunity, making your lawn more prone to disease. Tattered edges look unsightly and take longer to heal, increasing the chances of fungal infections as winter sets in. Here are some tips for keeping mowing blades sharp:

•  Use a Proper File or Grinder: To sharpen mower blades, you can use a metal file, bench grinder, or angle grinder. Start by securing the blade in a vice, then run the file or grinder along the cutting edge, following the original angle of the blade. Make sure to file in one direction—away from the blade edge—and maintain a consistent angle to create a sharp, even edge.

•  Balance the Blade After Sharpening: After sharpening, it’s vital to ensure the blade is balanced. An unbalanced blade can cause vibrations and damage your mower’s engine, as well as high and low spots in the lawn during mowing, which can damage the lawn.  You can check this by hanging the blade on a nail or using a blade balancer. If one side drops, file a little more from that side until the blade hangs evenly.

•  Hired Maintenance: Even the most dedicated DIY enthusiasts deserve a break. Bringing in a trusted partner to handle the job can lighten your load and keep things running smoothly. Both your lawn and your mower will appreciate the extra care!

How Often to Sharpen Mower Blades?

1.  About every 5-6 weeks: For a typical homeowner mowing weekly, this usually translates to about 2-3 times per season. If you’re cutting for about an hour each week, sharpening every 20 to 25 hours of mowing is a good rule of thumb.

2.  Watch for Signs Your Blades Need Sharpening: Besides the hour-based rule, look for signs like ragged or torn grass tips, which can turn brown and invite disease. If your lawn isn’t looking as crisp after mowing or if you notice uneven patches, it’s probably time to sharpen your blades.

3.  Professional Services: If you hire someone to mow your lawn, they should be keeping tabs on their blades, however, asking them how often they sharpen and keeping an eye out for telltale signs will keep your lawn unstressed and healthy.

Leave the Clippings or Bag Them?

For the final mow, it’s best to mulch the clippings into fine pieces, or bag and compost them instead of leaving them on the lawn. During warmer months, mulching your grass clippings can nourish the soil. But with winter on the way, thicker leftover clippings from the change in the length of the mow can lead to a buildup which reduces airflow and can even encourage snow mold. However, the clippings are perfect for a compost pile and ensures your lawn is tidy and prepped for winter.

Rake Away Leaves and Debris

A thick layer of fallen leaves, especially if wet, can smother your lawn and lead to rot, mold, or dead spots by spring. After the last mow, be sure leaves are raked, and debris is cleared. Your lawn will need sunlight, air, and moisture to stay healthy under the snow.  Leaves can also be mulched with a mulching mower and make excellent compost.

Fertilization for Winter and the Final Mow

A good fall winterizing fertilizer is specially formulated with slow-release nutrients that allow grass to store energy for winter dormancy and promote root strength to endure the freezing and thawing of cold weather. This important step ensures the lawn returns strong when spring arrives and is considered one of the key lawn care components of the year. Application can be done before the snow falls and effectively compliments the final mow within a few weeks before or after depending on seasonal temperatures.

Aeration and Overseeding

While mowing is critical, pairing your final mow with a fall aeration and overseeding can enhance your lawn's overall health and appearance.  

Here’s why:

•  Ensures better air, water, and nutrient flow over winter.

•  Aerating relieves soil compaction and promotes more vigorous root development.  

•  Overseeding thickens the lawn and boosts its resilience and disease resistance by introducing new grass cultivars. These newer varieties are often created to tolerate environmental stressors like drought, pests, and disease. Diversifying the grass species in your lawn creates a stronger, more adaptable turf that can better withstand challenges such as changing weather patterns and common lawn diseases.

•  Dormant Seeding is a great alternative and provides several benefits by allowing grass seed to establish in the soil during the colder months. The seed lies dormant until early spring, when it germinates as temperatures rise and water is more abundant, giving the lawn ahead start on thickening up and filling in bare spots. This process enhances lawn density and promotes a healthier, more resilient turf come spring.

Inspect Your Lawn for Weeds: Check for stubborn weeds around the time of the final mow. Fall is an excellent time to tackle stubborn weeds that are more vulnerable to the cold as they actively store nutrients for the winter. We recommend contacting a trusted professional lawn care expert to assess and properly apply products with the least environmental impact.  

Pay Attention to Drainage

Poor drainage can leave standing water in your yard, increasing the risk of mold or other fungal problems. As you prepare for winter, address any low spots in your yard and clear blocked gutters or downspouts to prevent water from pooling. Good drainage helps snowmelt run off, reducing the risk of lawn issues in spring.

Keep an Eye on the Weather

Monitor the weather closely before committing to your final mow. If a warm spell leads to continued grass growth, you may need to mow again—just don’t cut it shorter than 2 inches. If snow is forecasted, finish your mowing beforehand to avoid grass matting under early snow.

Prepare for the Off-Season - Tasks to Tackle Along with Your Final Mow

Here are a few additional fall reminders to pair with the final mow. Checking these items off your list helps you create an efficient end-of-season lawn routine and enjoy a smoother, hassle-free winter.

1.  Turn Off and Drain Irrigation Systems: Shut off hose bibs, sprinkler systems, and outdoor water sources to prevent freezing and costly pipe damage. Proper shutdown helps avoid a costly winter plumbing disaster.

2.  Mark Lawn Edges with Snow Stakes: Whether DIY or hiring, be sure your snow removal plan is in place. Install snow stakes to mark your lawn's edges, protecting it from damage caused by snowblowers or plows or shovels during the winter months. Have ice melt on hand.

3.  Mulching & Plant Protection: Decide whether you need mulch now or in the spring. Mulching in the fall can insulate plants and protect soil, while spring mulching refreshes the look of your garden. Tend to plants that may need extra protection during the cold winter months or from deer.

4.  Winterize Outdoor Equipment and Tools: In addition to sharpening the mower blades as mentioned above, clean and store all garden tools, lawnmowers, and other outdoor equipment properly. This includes draining fuel from mowers and trimmers, sharpening and oiling tools like pruners and shovels, and performing any necessary maintenance. Store every thing in a dry, sheltered place to prevent rust and damage during the cold months. By taking these steps, your equipment will be well-maintained and ready for action when spring arrives and so will you!

5.  Fall Garden Pruning and Clean-up: Prune plants, remove dead growth and tidy your garden to promote plant health and prevent pests from overwintering in garden debris.

6.  Prune Trees, Shrubs, and Ornamentals: Late fall and winter are the best times to prune trees and shrubs. Larger trees, like oaks, should only be pruned during their dormant season to prevent deadly diseases like oak wilt. Cold weather is also ideal for pruning fruit trees, ornamentals, and shrubs, promoting healthy growth in the spring while reducing the risk of damage from snow and ice.

7.  Inspect Gutters and Downspouts: Clear out leaves and debris to ensure proper drainage and prevent water backup and ice dams that can cause roof damage.

8.  Holiday Lighting: If holiday lighting is on your list, take advantage of the pre-freeze weather to clean your gutters and hang your decorations simultaneously. This is the perfect opportunity to tackle two tasks while the conditions are still safe and comfortable!

9.  Schedule HVAC Maintenance: Schedule an annual HVAC service to change furnace filters, maintain your heating system, and ensure it's ready for the winter months. This also rests cooling systems for the season.

10.  Prepare for Ice Dams: If your roof is prone to ice damming, now’s the time to ensure your heating system is working correctly to avoid winter roofing issues.

11.  Store Outdoor Furniture: Clean and store patio furniture, grills, and other outdoor items, or cover them with weatherproof materials to protect against snow, ice, and moisture damage.

12.  Winter Car Maintenance: Prepare your car for winter by scheduling fall maintenance. This includes checking tire tread and pressure, testing the battery, topping off fluids (especially antifreeze), and ensuring your heating system functions properly. Taking these steps in the fall ensures your vehicle is ready for colder weather and icy roads.

Set Your Lawn Up for Success This Winter!

The final mow of the season plays a crucial role in keeping your lawn healthy and resilient through the winter months. By lowering the blade, removing clippings, and tidying up the yard, you’re setting the stage for a lush, vibrant lawn come spring.

At Be Green Pro, we're committed to sustainable lawn care and are here to help with all your seasonal needs—whether it’s preparing for winter or maintaining your lawn year-round. Let us take the worry off your hands, ensuring you’ll enjoy the rewards when warmer weather returns!