When to ‘avoid’ mowing lawns in spring or risk ‘suffocating’ grass

David Domoney urges gardeners to clear leaves from their lawns

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

It’s likely your lawns are looking a little worse for wear after months of cold, wet and windy weather. Frost, snow, torrential rain and cold temperatures can leave bare and yellow patches on lawns.

After the winter months, it’s likely your garden lawn could be suffering from snow mould, also known as fusarium patch.

Fusarium patch is a fungal disease that appears on lawns during the colder months after snow or prolonged cold, wet weather.

If you have snow mould, you may notice yellow or brown patches on your grass.

After winter, it can be hard to know when to mow your lawn. Between March and October, they usually need to be mown weekly or fortnightly.

However, when you make that first cut will depend on where you are located in the UK.

The average date of a first lawn cut in the UK after winter is March 18, according to The Woodland Trust’s citizen science project, Nature’s Calendar records between 2000 and 2018.

However, your grass will start re-growing when soil temperatures reach above 6C.

Sam Jenkinson, head of marketing at garden building specialist Tiger has shared when to start mowing your lawn after winter and when to “avoid” mowing your lawn.

Don’t miss…
‘Unknown yet extremely strict’ garden laws you could be breaking [LATEST]
‘Quickest fix’ for pet urine patches on your lawn [INSIGHT]
‘Best time’ to prune hydrangeas, roses and wistera in spring [ANALYSIS]

When to mow your lawn

With spring just a week away, garden lawns will likely be looking long and unruly by now.

To keep lawns looking “neat” and “healthy”, the gardening expert suggested mowing lawns “at least fortnightly”.

Sam exclusively told Express.co.uk: “As we move into spring, it’s time to start planning out a lawn mowing routine.

“Ideally, a garden lawn should be mowed at least fortnightly from March through to the end of September to keep grass healthy and gardens looking neat.

Looking for a new home, or just fancy a look? Add your postcode below or visit InYourArea

“With more sun and the expected April showers here in the UK, grass has all the conditions it needs to grow super quickly.

“To avoid overgrowing that can often cover garden pathways or decking, entangle with flower beds and block shed doorways, it’s important to regularly cut.”

When to avoid mowing

Unfortunately, frost and heavy rain can’t be ruled out in March and April so you might have to hold back on mowing your lawn if the weather isn’t suitable.

Sam said gardeners should not cut their lawns “while it’s wet” as this can cause damage to the lawn and mower.

He said: “The UK is no stranger to rain in spring and summer so be prepared for your planned-out routine to take a hit if a downpour happens.

“Wait until the grass is dry to avoid any damage made to the mower itself as well as the lawn.

“The wet grass that is cut and then thrown back onto the lawn can suffocate and kill the remaining grass.

“Not only this, clumps of wet trimmings are likely to cling to other areas like patios, furniture and outdoor buildings and can take a long time to clean up.”

Source: Read Full Article