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You can mow the grass when it’s dry to the touch, usually between 2 and 5 hours if it was a light rainfall or morning dew. If the rainfall was significant, you may need to wait up to 2 days until the grass is dry. Touch the grass and soil to determine if it’s dry. Be sure to check in shady areas too, as those can take longer to dry out.

When spring arrives, it’s best to hold off on mowing until temperatures have consistently reached a temperature of at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Attempting to mow grass that hasn't fully thawed from its winter dormancy can harm the delicate blades. Ensure your grass is dry before mowing and aim to mow when the grass is about three to four inches tall, trimming no more than one-third of the grass blade's height at a time. This timing encourages healthy growth and prevents shock to the grass, preparing your lawn for a happy, healthy growing season.

Fescue grass is a relatively low-maintenance grass type, meaning it doesn’t require much more attention than regular watering, dethatching, and mowing. Some fescues even grow slowly enough for hard-to-reach areas, particularly those inaccessible by the mower. Following a seasonal maintenance schedule will help your fescue lawn stay green, healthy, and durable for years to come.

As a beginner, start by mowing your lawn in symmetrical rows by turning the mower at the end of each row and overlapping with the previous row. Use an edging tool or weedwacker to make your lawn look sharp and crisp around the edges, and then sweep the debris back into the yard. Take it slow, and know that you can adjust your approach or pattern the next time your grass needs a clip.