Winter might slow your lawn down, but it doesn’t always stop it. One day it’s looking neat and tidy, the next you spot a few scruffy tufts poking through and start wondering if the mower should make a comeback.
You can mow the lawn in winter, but timing is everything. A quick trim on the right day can keep things looking sharp, but do it when the ground’s frozen or the grass is too wet and you’ll cause more damage than good. It’s less about routine and more about paying attention to the weather.
We’ll run through when it’s safe to mow, how cold is too cold, and what to do when your mower’s better off staying in the shed. That way, when spring rolls around, your lawn’s already one step ahead.
Should you mow the lawn in winter?
For most of the colder months, your lawn is better left alone. Once temperatures drop below around 10°C, the grass slows its growth and needs time to rest. That’s the signal to give your mower a break.
If you get a mild, dry spell and the grass starts to look untidy, a light cut is fine as long as the ground isn’t frozen or soaked. Keep the mower blades high and trim only the top third of growth to avoid stressing the roots.
Mowing when the soil is cold and damp can compact it, damage the grass, and leave brown patches that linger into spring. Waiting for the right conditions keeps your lawn strong and ready to bounce back when the weather warms up again.
Pro tip: If the grass needs a light trim, an EGO cordless lawn mower will get it done smoothly and quietly, so you can keep your lawn looking cared for even in the colder months.
When is it too cold to cut the grass?
As a rule of thumb, anything below 5°C is too cold for mowing. At that point, the grass has stopped growing and the soil is often too hard or damp for safe cutting. Trying to mow the lawn in winter when it’s frozen or waterlogged can tear at the roots and leave lasting damage.
If you’re unsure, do a quick check underfoot. If the ground feels firm and dry, you can safely give the lawn a gentle trim. If it squelches or crunches with frost, hold off. Cutting grass in winter when the ground’s frozen does far more harm than good.
It’s also worth watching for daytime temperatures that rise just enough to tempt you outside. Even if the air feels mild, shaded patches can stay frozen beneath the surface.
Waiting for a few dry, above-5°C days will always give you a better result and keep your lawn healthier through the colder months.
How to know if your lawn needs a winter trim
Through winter, your lawn slows right down, taking a well-earned rest after the growing season. Most of the time, you can leave it be. But every now and then, it might need a little attention.
If the grass is starting to look uneven or long enough to fold over, it’s a sign it could use a light trim. Blades that lie flat can block sunlight and trap moisture, leading to yellow patches or even mould. Before you bring the mower out, check the ground. The soil should feel firm and dry underfoot, never soft, wet or frosty.
If it squelches when you step on it, or you can see frost glinting in the morning light, hold off. Cutting grass in those conditions can tear at the roots and undo all the work your lawn has done to stay healthy through the cold.
A little care now will help your grass bounce back beautifully when spring arrives. That might just mean clearing leaves, brushing away debris or, on the odd mild day, giving it a gentle tidy with your EGO cordless mower.
Tips for mowing in winter
If you’ve had a few mild, dry days and your lawn could do with a quick tidy, there are a few simple things you can do to keep it safe and healthy through the cut.
- Check the ground first. The soil should feel firm and dry, never soft, wet or frozen. If it gives under your foot or feels spongy, wait a little longer.
- Set your blades high. Trim lightly to avoid stressing the grass. Taking off too much in cold weather can weaken the roots and slow regrowth.
- Clear debris before you start. Brush away leaves, twigs and any leftover frost so the mower blades glide cleanly.
- Choose the right time of day. Late morning or early afternoon is best, when any overnight frost has lifted and the grass has had a chance to dry.
- Stay gentle. If your mower starts to clog or the wheels leave marks, stop. Those are signs the ground isn’t ready.
Cold-weather mowing should feel more like tidying than cutting. The goal is to keep your lawn neat while protecting it for spring. Once you’ve finished, take a look at our guide on how to store your cordless lawn mower for the winter to keep your equipment in top condition until the next cut.
Your lawn is ready for spring
Your lawn has had the rest it needs, and with a few well-timed trims and a little care, it’s set up to thrive once the warmer days return.
When temperatures rise and growth picks up again, you’ll start to see the payoff from the patience and attention you gave it over winter. Keeping your tools in good shape and choosing reliable equipment, like an EGO cordless lawn mower, will make that first cut of the season smooth and satisfying.
For now, let your lawn rest. You’ve done the right things at the right time, and that’s what keeps it strong, healthy, and ready for spring.