There is an easy tip to encourage grass growth after winter and it means avoiding one task till later in the year
Katherine McPhillips and Rebecca Koncienzcy Content Editor for Spare Time
15:49, 04 Feb 2026
(Image: Getty)
Gardeners are being advised to hold off cutting their lawn for at least another month(Image: Getty)
As late winter progresses, gardens can appear overgrown, tempting many homeowners to reach for their mowers and tidy up their lawns before weeds take hold. However, Lorienne Whittle, an expert from the Woodland Trust, has cautioned gardeners against cutting their grass for at least another month to ensure proper regrowth.
She explained: “Whether you love or hate maintaining your lawn, mowing is normally needed between March and October.” During February, grass is gradually emerging from dormancy, with longer days encouraging fresh growth and allowing weeds to begin seeding.
While it may seem sensible to mow the lawn early to prepare the garden for spring, this is actually one of the most frequent mistakes that can damage lawns.
Currently, lawns are recovering from the freezing winter conditions, absorbing nutrients from the soil as they emerge from dormancy.
Your lawn could be full and lush this spring if you follow expert advice(Image: Getty)
These nutrients are stored as energy to safeguard the roots, and as temperatures increase, the lawn can develop thick, robust growth that remains strong and healthy throughout the season, reports the Express.
Cutting grass at this critical stage puts unnecessary strain on the lawn and prevents it from building vital energy reserves, potentially resulting in weak grass.
Mowing at the incorrect time often leads to thin regrowth and increases the likelihood of the lawn remaining patchy for the remainder of the year. In the UK, gardeners should ideally wait until approximately 18 March before resuming lawn mowing, as the timing significantly affects the condition of your grass throughout spring and summer.
However, the precise date varies depending on your location, since grass should only be cut once daytime temperatures consistently exceed 8°C.
Only mow when the forecast is regularly above 8C and the ground feels dry and firm(Image: Getty)
Ground temperature must reach above 6°C before you begin cutting again, so purchasing a soil thermometer may prove worthwhile if you’re concerned about mowing prematurely.
The easiest method to determine whether your lawn is ready for cutting is to feel the ground and assess its dryness – if it still feels spongy and wet, it’s too early to start mowing.
When mowing for the first time after winter, ensure you only remove a small amount from the top of the grass, as cutting too much will make the lawn more vulnerable to patchy areas.
If gardeners exercise patience and wait slightly longer before tidying their gardens, they’ll be rewarded with beautifully thick and healthy grass for the remainder of the year.
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