When Is The Best Time To Mow The Lawn?

Fun fact: Did you know an acre of grass generates enough oxygen for 64 people in a single day*? Healthy lawns produce more oxygen than mature trees, while also cooling the surrounding area and trapping dust and particulate matter to improve air quality. To keep these benefits going, knowing when to cut grass matters just as much as sticking to a consistent routine.

The best time changes with the seasons, the type of grass in your garden, and the climate of your area, and it can make a big difference in helping grass stay lush and strong.

When Is the Best Time to Mow the Lawn?

Generally speaking, the best time to mow the lawn is typically mid-morning or late afternoon, when the grass is dry, the temperature is moderate, and your turf has time to recover before nightfall. These conditions vary depending on the season, the direction your garden faces, and local climates. Mowing at the wrong time weakens grass and slows its recovery.

Early morning: Bad time to mow the lawn

Cutting grass before 8 am might feel productive, but it’s usually a poor choice. The grass is often wet from dew, which can cause uneven trimming, clog your mower, and increase the risk of lawn diseases.

Moreover, while temperatures are cool and the turf has time to recover, early morning mowing can disturb neighbors and may break local noise ordinances.

Mid-morning: Best time to mow the lawn

Mowing between 8 am and 10 am is one of the best times to cut grass. By then, dew has mostly evaporated, the air is cooler, and there is plenty of daylight for recovery. The conditions help prevent turf stress and make the job more comfortable.

However, it may not fit your work schedule; in this case, choose a robot mower like GOAT that works by automatically mowing on a preset schedule and at a customized cutting height through the ECOVACS HOME app.

Early afternoon: Worst time to mow the lawn

Based on where you live and the season, the grass may be dry from 10 am to 4 pm, but high temperatures can stress your lawn and slow its growth.

Wildlife in your yard is more active during these hours, so tending your turf then can disturb them. This is also the hottest part of the day, which can lead to sunburn or dehydration; if you must do it during this time, take breaks, stay hydrated, and use sun protection.

Late afternoon: Good time to mow the lawn

Between 4 pm and 6 pm, the heat goes and the turf still has time to recover before evening dew sets in. This is a good option if you cannot mow earlier in the day.

Remember to avoid starting too close to sunset, as freshly cut grass may not have time to recover before dew settles in. Plus, note that this time can overlap with one of the best watering periods if you water your lawn after cutting.

Evening: Is it the best time to mow the lawn

From 6 pm to 8 pm, mowing may seem appealing due to cooler temperatures, but it leaves too little recovery time before dew forms.

Besides, freshly cut grass exposed to moisture overnight is easier to develop turf fungus. Pay attention to the local noise rules since evening mowing can also be noisy for neighbors; for instance, Los Angeles’ noise ordinance restricts noise to a maximum of 50 dBA at night in residential zones. It is better to plan your yard grooming earlier.

Through the ECOVACS HOME app, you can conveniently set the mowing schedule and adjust it anytime on GOAT robot mowers.

When Is the Best Time to Mow by Season?

The best time to cut grass in your yard is after the morning dew has dried but before the midday heat sets in, which promotes quick recovery and lowers the risk of disease and fungus.

Since weather and daylight vary by season, adjust the timing accordingly to keep your grass healthy and looking its best.


 

Best Time to Cut Grass in Spring

The best time to cut grass in spring is from around 10:30 am to 4:00 pm.

To decide when to take your first mow of the season, check the height of your grass; you can usually start when it reaches about 4 inches. In northern states like Maine, this is often late April or May, while southern states such as Florida may start as early as March, with some places growing grass year-round.

Regular grooming of your yard helps revive turf after winter dormancy, and always wait until the grass is tall enough before the first trim.

Best Time to Cut Grass in Summer

As the weather gets warmer, wait until most of the morning dew has evaporated before trimming, generally around 8:30 am to 1:00 pm.

In the hottest months, areas in the south or the transition zone, such as North Carolina, may see cool-season grasses go dormant in July or August. Dormant grass appears brown but is not dead, and mowing it can cause unnecessary stress.

In cooler northern regions, mowing may continue through summer.

Best Time to Cut Grass in Fall

Between 10:30 am to 4:00 pm is a great period to cut grass in autumn since the dew has dried and when daytime temperatures stay below 80°F.

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass come back to life in fall and grow actively, while warm-season grasses like St. Augustine and zoysia slow down and prepare for dormancy.

Make your last cut about a week before the first predicted frost to reduce the risk of mold and fungus, assuring the final trim is short enough to prevent disease but still able to protect the roots.

Best Time to Cut Grass in Winter

Mowing may not be necessary during winter, unless during unexpected warm periods or in southern regions that do not experience frost.

Often, warm-season grasses stop growing once average temperatures drop below 50–55°F. If cutting in winter, aim for mid to late afternoon, say around 3:00 pm or 4:00 pm, to give the turf enough recovery time before cooler evening temperatures set in.

It is not recommended to work on frozen turf to prevent long-term damage.

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