Should You Stop Mowing Grass in the Fall?

As we continue into fall, many homeowners expect a break from lawn care as warm-season grasses enter winter dormancy, signaling the end of the growing season. In Florida, though, warm temperatures linger longer; thus, grass grows, and lawn care continues. The fluctuating weather, cooler air, and increased rainfall can even stimulate grass growth during fall.

This unpredictable weather period means you have to stay vigilant and adjust your care routines accordingly. The absence of frost and continued mild conditions make early fall an excellent time for lawn repairs using grass plugs. If you're repairing thinning areas, NutriPod, a specially formulated grass fertilizer, can support the establishment of new grass sod plugs, accelerating growth and building resilience before winter.

In addition to repairs, regular mowing remains essential, though several factors should be considered regarding how much and how often you should mow.

When to Stop Mowing Your Lawn

When it comes to fall lawn maintenance, the rule of thumb is simple: as long as the grass is growing, keep mowing. In Florida, this can extend further into the season than in other parts of the country. However, the milder fall temperatures may gradually slow the growth of warm-season grasses like bermudagrass, St. Augustine, and zoysia. Common bermudagrass varieties, in particular, thrive in warm, humid weather but have poor cold tolerance, meaning their growth will taper off as the air cools.

1. Soil Temperature

Soil temperature plays a crucial role in grass growth. Warm-season grass plants slow their growth when soil temperatures fall below 55°F and enter dormancy when temperatures drop to 50°F or lower. You’ll know that grass is growing more slowly when the time between mowings stretches from every 1-2 weeks to once a month.

2. Falling Leaves

Falling leaves are another sign of the changing season. As trees shed their leaves and the landscape transforms, grass also begins to slow its growth. When trees are nearly half bare, it’s often a sign that the grass is growing more slowly. Cooler air and shorter daytime during the late fall contribute to this reduced growth.

Fall Mowing Plan

As growth slows during fall, it’s time to adjust your mowing routine. Below are essential tips for effectively managing your lawn mowing schedule as the season progresses.

1. Mowing Frequency

Once grass growth slows, reduce mowing frequency. Follow the one-third rule: never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. Mow only when the grass reaches its recommended height. For warm-season grasses like bermudagrass and Zoysia, aim for 1.5 to 2.5 inches, while St. Augustine thrives at around 2.5 to 3 inches. Keeping the grass longer helps trap moisture, protects the roots, and supports a healthier lawn as it enters winter dormancy.

2. Height

Avoid cutting the grass too short as it gets cooler. Shorter grass is more vulnerable to the cold, while slightly longer grass provides insulation for the root system. Additionally, mowing shorter than recommended can scalp your lawn and stress the grass, leading to potential damage during temperature fluctuations. Aim to maintain a consistent grass height throughout the season to promote root health and strong growth in the spring.

3. Equipment Maintenance

Fall is a great time to ensure your lawn mower and other equipment are in optimal condition. Dull mower blades can tear grass blades instead of a clean cut, leaving the grass more susceptible to lawn pests and fungal diseases. During the fall, when increased moisture from rain is expected, sharp blades are especially important to minimize damage and maintain a healthy lawn.

Final Tips

Consider using a mulching mower to mulch fallen leaves as part of your fall lawn care routine. This practice can add valuable organic matter and nutrients to the soil. However, be careful not to mulch too much at once—excess leaf matter can trap moisture and lead to fungal growth, particularly in humid fall conditions. Mulching leaves helps the lawn retain moisture, improves soil structure, and reduces the need for external fertilizers.

If your lawn has thinning areas or needs repairs, fall is also the ideal time to plant SodPods grass plugs. These lawn care solutions are excellent for patching up sparse areas, and with NutriPod fertilizer pods, you can support the establishment of the new grass plugs and accelerate growth up to two times faster. By winter, your lawn will be better equipped to handle the cold and emerge strong in the spring.