As winter gives way to warmer days, many Australian homeowners and lawn care professionals wonder about the same crucial question: When should I start mowing again? The short answer is—timing is everything. A well-timed first mow, adjusted to your local climate, grass type, and lawn’s health, sets the tone for healthy growth throughout the new season.

In this guide, we explore when and how to resume mowing after winter, how to adjust your mowing schedule, and why attention to detail—like mower blades, grass height, and cutting techniques—can make or break your spring lawn care success. Let’s begin!

Understanding Growth Patterns: Mowing Schedule Matters

Unlike summer, the transition from winter to spring can be unpredictable. Many weeds begin to sprout before your turf starts growing in earnest. That’s why it’s essential not just to follow the calendar but to observe your grass’s roots, soil temperatures, and new growth activity.

The First Mow: Setting the Stage

The first mow after winter should be gentle. Avoid cutting grass too short—scalping can damage the grass blades and stress grass roots. Aim to remove no more than one third of the blade length to promote healthy growth.

Checklist Before Your First Mow:

Ensure soil is firm and not waterlogged
Sharpen mower blades to avoid tearing
Clear debris, dead grass, and leaves with a light rake
Set your mowing height a little higher than summer levels
Avoid mowing during frost or immediately after rainfall

Spring Schedule for Mowing Your Lawn

As the weather warms and grass enters its active growing season, begin to mow regularly. This encourages deeper roots, discourages many weeds, and helps develop a lush, healthy lawn.

Frequency: Start weekly or fortnightly depending on grass type and growth rate.
Time of Day: Mid morning is ideal when dew has lifted but temperatures are still mild.
Grass Height: Maintain 5–6cm for most lawns in spring, adjusting slightly for new turf or shaded areas.

Consistency is key. Irregular mowing can lead to bare patches, frost damage, or excessive grass clippings.

Lawn Care Tips: Ready Both Your Mower and Your Lawn

Before the new season kicks off in earnest, make sure both your mower and your lawn are primed.

Lawn Mower Maintenance:

Check air filter and change if dirty
Sharpen or replace dull blades
Empty fuel tank of old petrol
Clean deck to prevent build up of clippings and dirt
Test that blade height is adjustable and evenly cutting

Having a well-maintained mower is critical. Dull blades tear rather than cut, damaging the grass blades and exposing the grass’s roots to disease and weeds.

New Season Care for New Lawns and New Turf

If you’ve laid new turf or are managing a new lawn, be extra cautious. Allow grass to establish strong roots before the first mow. Depending on soil conditions and weather warms, this may take 3–6 weeks.

When ready:

Ensure the grass has established by checking root growth
Mow at the highest setting first
Remove only about one third of the blade
Collect grass clippings if growth is heavy

Avoid compacting the soil surface with heavy equipment or mowing when the ground is soft, which can damage healthy soil and prevent deeper roots.

Weed Management During Transition

Spring is a crucial time for weed prevention. As many weeds germinate before turf growth accelerates, applying a pre-emergent herbicide in late winter or early spring can significantly reduce broadleaf weeds.

Post-mowing, it’s a great time to inspect for bare patches and address them with new slabs of turf. Good spring lawn care includes addressing dead grass, enhancing moisture retention, and boosting the lawn’s recovery.

Boosting Lawn Health: Fertilising and Watering

Following mowing, support healthy growth with appropriate feeding and watering practices:

Use a granular fertiliser or liquid fertilisers suited for your grass type
Apply with a fertiliser spreader for even coverage
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots
Choose early morning watering to minimise moisture loss and reduce fungus risk

Feeding your lawn after mowing provides the food supply needed for a strong growing season. Fertilise every 6–8 weeks throughout warmer months.

Spring Lawn Recovery: Top Tips

Aerate compacted areas using a garden fork
Remove thatch or dead grass with light scarification
Rake gently to improve airflow and reduce build up
Spot-treat weeds and monitor for pests
Adjust cutting height as conditions warm

Following these steps encourages a well maintained, healthy lawn that’s ready to thrive in summer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I mow during early spring rains?

Avoid mowing when the soil surface is saturated. Wet conditions cause ruts and may tear grass blades, damaging the grass’s roots.

How short should the grass be in spring?

Keep grass height at 4–5cm in spring. Avoid removing more than one third of the blade in a single mow to promote healthy growth.

Should I leave grass clippings on the lawn?

In moderate amounts, grass clippings return nutrients and help hold moisture. However, heavy clippings should be raked to prevent build up.

Do I need to sharpen mower blades every season?

Yes. Dull blades stress the turf, invite disease, and lead to brown tips. Always sharpen before spring begins and check monthly.

Conclusion

Restarting your mowing schedule after winter is more than just trimming your lawn—it’s about setting the foundation for an entire growing season. With the right timing, proper tools, and a commitment to well maintained practices, you’ll support healthy soil, deeper roots, and a healthy lawn that thrives through spring, summer, and beyond.

As always, tailor your approach to your grass type, regional climate, and lawn goals. With consistent care and seasonal awareness, your spring lawn will be green, thick, and ready for everything the warmer months bring.