Yes, You Should Stop Mowing In The Fall - But Not For The Reason You Think

Don't worry if you're tired of mowing the lawn. You may get to stow your lawnmower sooner than you think. It all depends on where you live and what kind of grass you have. Most people think it's a good idea to stop mowing the second they have to throw on a sweater, but it's a better rule of thumb to stop mowing grass when it stops growing or slows down significantly.

Most varieties of grass tend to go dormant when temperatures drop, bu different kinds of grass go dormant at different times. Cool season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass, which are more common in the northern U.S.,  tend to become dormant when temperatures drop to the mid-40s. Warm season grasses, think Bermuda or St. Augustine, are more popular in the South, and will go to sleep when temperatures hit the mid-50s. 

Dormancy doesn't just mean that you're relieved of your mowing duties. Grasses are more delicate when they're hibernating. That's why it's easier to kill dormant Bermuda grass. But it's also easier to harm grass in general during this period, especially with a lawn mower. No matter the type, if a grass's crown, or base, gets damaged, your grass might not ever recover. Dormant grass is actually easy to spot and avoid though. Grass tends to turn brown when it's hibernating because it's not growing any new green stalks.

If you live in a region with a more serious winter, then you'll probably need to stop mowing your cool season grass in October. But, as a good rule of thumb no matter where you live, stop mowing when grass slows or stops growing altogether since it's likely about to go dormant. Might as well save the grass as well as your time.

The caveat is that some grasses in very warm climates, like zones 11 or 12, might grow all through the winter. That means your lawn mower might not ever get a true break. And even some cool season grasses might keep growing if the fall is mild. So, if your grass is still growing, then it's a good idea to mow it. Still, fall and winter weather can pose a threat. Avoid mowing grass on a rainy day, as there are potential dangers in mowing wet grass, like hurting your mower. It's also a good idea not to mow frozen grass.

Keep an eye out for the first frost for your area. Always aim to trim your grass one last time about a week before temperatures plunge to freezing. Don't trim it shorter than you normally do. Cutting grass too short can stress it out. Once it goes dormant, it also needs to be watered less than growing grass. This can be good news for those of you wondering if watering your lawn in the fall is worth the cost.