CHRISTMAS IS APPROACHING: CAN WE MOW THE LAWN?

• Mowing in winter

In winter there is no need to mow the lawn, because grass grows little or not at all in this season. Regular leaf removal is sufficient to provide the lawn with enough light and prevent the soil from absorbing too much water. In mid-winter, it’s better to let the lawn rest, it can take a well-deserved winter break. Especially when there’s a frost. Because frozen grass stems are very delicate and break easily. The outcome: regeneration in the following spring takes longer.

• What about autumn?

To allow the lawn to shine in all its beauty every spring, preparation is crucial in winter. Weather permitting, continue mowing it as usual. But when is it best to mow the last time before winter? The rules are similar to those for spring: it all depends on the weather conditions. While the temperatures at night are not too low, a lawn continues to grow. The first frost often arrives in mid to late October: it’s time to mow for the last time. The correct stem height is important. Cut the lawn about half a centimetre more than usual. If a lawn is too high, any snow crushes the grass stems, and the risk of fungus and diseases increases. Important factor: Waste must also be removed.

• Ways to prevent a winter lawn from yellowing

If we want to tackle a yellowing lawn, we must absolutely avoid fertilising the lawn or adding fertiliser, which would have no effect at all. If we are mainly concerned about its aesthetic appeal, we can colour the lawn with certain products, which not only restore the green colour of a healthy lawn but also contain healing substances. Otherwise, to tackle and reduce yellowing in winter, we need to take action in autumn with proper maintenance before the resting period, or wait until spring with the vegetative awakening of the lawn.