Mild weather in December? Why you should continue to cut the grass

As winter approaches, gardener turn their attention to how best to prepare their plants and lawns for the cold weather. With winter bringing stronger gusty winds and chilly temperatures as well as a lot more rain and the potential for snowfall, there are a few things to do to ensure a lawn remains not only neat and tidy throughout the winter weather but is ready to thrive again once the spring rolls around next year.

There is, of course, lots to do all around the garden during the autumn to prepare for winter, such as moving vulnerable plants into greenhouses or raising pots off of the ground to safeguard them from being flooded by rainfall.

Some lawn care is also advisable as the grass can be susceptible to a few cold weather-related issues. You want to make sure it has plenty of nutrients in the topsoil, so adding a soil improver or some bulk compost is a good idea.

Mild Winter Lawn Growth

Apart from raking off fallen leaves and adding some soil improver or bulk compost to the topsoil, it can be easy to think that one final mow before winter is all the lawn really needs. However, there are a few extra things you can do, especially if the winter is set to be a mild one.

If the weather remains warm enough, then the grass will keep growing regardless of what calendar month it is. It is usually when temperatures drop below around 10 degrees Celsius during the day that growth stops, so keep your eye on the temperatures and regularly check the forecasts.

Why Mow the Lawn Before or During Winter

Inexperienced gardeners might not see the point in mowing the lawn before or during winter at all, seeming as the growth will stop during the season. But while it is true that lawn growth will cease during a typically cold and grey winter, cutting the grass to a particular height can help it avoid certain wintery ailments that can damage the lawn.

First of all, longer grass can develop a mouldy fungus during the winter, especially under snowfall. Secondly, you should bear in mind that cutting it too short can leave the grass vulnerable to stress from the colder temperatures.

By cutting it to sweet spot of around 6 or 7 centimetres, you can give your lawn the best chance of staying healthy through the winter.

Winter Lawn Mowing Tips

A good rule of thumb is look out for when the first frosts are forecasted, and look to cut the grass to a good height as suggested just before then. This is also a good time, and possibly the last chance, to properly fertilise the topsoil with some bulk compost or a soil improver.

If you have time to prepare for the first frost, then you could also take extra care by spreading out the cutting of the grass to its final height over two or three mows. Get the grass down to the ideal height by mowing one third for three mows, or one half for two mows, of the desired amount each time you mow.

By spreading out the amount you cut off over two or three mows, you are conditioning the grass to withstand a shorter height and be stronger against the harsh conditions the lawn will be exposed to during the winter.

If you require products for preparing your garden for winter such as soil improver, topsoil or bulk compost, then contact Springbridge via our website or call today on 0845 370 1921 for more information.