A gardening expert has compiled a list of the best time to do your final lawn cut of the year based on where you live – and his top tips to ensure healthy growth and a quick recovery in the spring
Timing is key when it comes to your final grass cut of the year(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Winter is fast approaching with the countdown on for gardeners to get their final jobs of the year done. One of the most important tasks is the final lawn cut of 2025 – but when is the best time to do the all-important last mow?
Well, it might be sooner than you think. James Ewens, gardening expert at Green Feathers, has worked out the optimal time for your last grass cut in every major UK city based on latest projected trends in weather, temperature thresholds, daylight patterns, and grass variety.
“Timing is everything when tending to your lawn,” James explains. “Once temperatures drop below 10 degrees Celsius, grass will simply stop growing. Leaving your lawn cut too late in super cold conditions can actually harm your grass long term, and if you stop mowing too early in the year, you’ll risk a messy lawn and weakened grass.”
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Here’s James’ list of optimal times based on UK cities…
London – Late October – Mid November
Bristol – Late October – Mid November
Cardiff – Late October – Mid November
Manchester – Late October
Birmingham – Late October
Leeds – Late October
Liverpool – Late October
Newcastle – Mid – Late October
Glasgow – Mid October – Late October
Edinburgh – Mid October – Late October
James’ predictions have taken into consideration several factors, including:
Average temperature for the following months – As temperatures drop, grass growth slows significantly. Once the average daytime temperature consistently falls below 10°C (50°F), it’s generally safe to stop cutting.Daylight hours – Shorter daylight hours reduce photosynthesis, leading to slower grass growth.Weather patterns – Unusually warm or wet weather can extend the growing season, while cold snaps can bring it to a halt.Regional variations – Microclimates within different regions of the UK can affect the timing of the last cut. Coastal areas, for example, may experience milder winters than inland regions.READ MORE: Monty Don shares the ‘most stupid thing anyone can say about a garden’
The gardening pro also has some expert tips for the last lawn cut of the year, noting that timing the last cut correctly ensures your lawn enters the winter season with a healthy and lush appearance and a strong root system – laying the foundations for healthy growth and a quick recovery in spring.
He advises:
Monitor your lawn closely throughout autumn: Weather conditions are unpredictable, our last lawn cut may need to be earlier than expected!Follow the one-third rule: Never cut more than a third of the grass blade length.Raise mower height: This improves airflow for your lawn.
It’s also crucial to clear any debris from the lawn , including fallen leaves and twigs. Any debris left can smother the grass, blocking out sunlight and trapping excess moisture that encourages the growth of moss and fungi.
Experts also suggest applying a winter fertiliser, which can help boost disease resistance and frost tolerance, as these are typically high in potassium, which aids in strengthening roots.
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