Fall Mowing Height: How Short to Cut Grass Before Winter
Fall mowing height is about how short to cut a cool season lawn in the last weeks before winter. University of Minnesota Turfgrass Science suggests holding the same height you mowed at in the fall.
The short answer
The fall mowing height for most lawns is the usual height. Minnesota says a lawn mowed at 2.5 to 3 inches can stay there, while taller lawns can come down to 3 inches. Wisconsin says to mow until top growth stops and never remove more than one third of the leaf at once.
How short should grass be cut in fall?
Slightly shorter, if at all. Wisconsin Extension says a mower set a little shorter than normal is okay, but the final mowing does not need to be very short. Its lawn maintenance page gives 2.5 to 3.5 inches. Mulch use is covered in mulch for cannabis.
| Lawn height now | Fall plan | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 to 3 inches | Hold that height | Minnesota |
| Over 3 inches | Bring it down to 3 inches | Minnesota |
| Any height | Cut no more than one third | Wisconsin |
When should you stop mowing for the year?
Stop when the grass stops growing. Wisconsin calls mowing until the lawn stops growing the main lawn task for the rest of fall. Minnesota adds that mowing until growth stops reduces snow mold and winter damage. Garden chores at this time are covered in fall garden cleanup after cannabis harvest.
Why should you avoid scalping the lawn?
Hard cuts set grass back. Wisconsin says removing more than one third of the leaf at one time slows regrowth and lets light reach the soil, which helps weeds sprout. Minnesota says cutting too short is more stress to the grass than snow mold or voles.
How to: step by step
- Hold your usual mowing height into fall.
- Never cut more than one third of the leaf.
- Mow as needed while grass grows.
- Lower the deck over several mowings if you lower it.
- Mulch fallen leaves so blades stay above them.
- Bag the last mow to pick up leaf litter.
Troubleshooting
Thin patches after mowing: raise the deck.
Snow mold in spring: mow until growth stops.
Leaves smothering grass: mulch or rake before snow.
Kind Seed Co shares these plant notes for growers of all kinds. Soil feeding is covered in soil amendments vs fertilizers and garden plans in planning an outdoor cannabis garden layout.
Sources
- Lawn maintenance, University of Wisconsin Madison Extension
- Fall lawn care and winter prep, University of Wisconsin Madison Extension
- Q and A: fall lawn care, University of Minnesota Turfgrass Science
FAQ
Is a short final cut good for lawns?
Not usually. Minnesota says cutting a lawn too short before winter is more stress to the grass than the injury from snow mold or voles.
Should I bag or mulch clippings in fall?
Wisconsin says to leave clippings in place since they return nitrogen to the soil. Minnesota says a bagger on the last mow can remove leaf litter.
When does grass stop growing?
The sources give no date. Wisconsin says to watch your lawn and mow as needed until top growth stops.
What height should a lawn be in fall?
Minnesota says a lawn mowed at 2.5 to 3 inches can stay there. A lawn over 3 inches can come down to 3 inches over several mowings.
Why not leave the lawn tall for winter?
Wisconsin says lawns going into winter very tall are prime candidates for snow mold and damage from voles.
