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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.

Every lawn is different, but mowing at least once a week is a good goal to stick to. If you’re seeing a lot of rain, or if you’re fertilizing your grass, you may need to mow as often as every four days. Either way, always follow the one-third rule: Never mow more than one-third of your grass height at once, as this can weaken it and prevent it from taking in all the proper nutrients from the soil.

The first step is killing any current nutgrass plants, either through application of herbicides or sugar, by digging up the plants and rhizomes, or by using soil solarization. To discourage new nutgrass plants from forming, ensure proper landscape drainage and bring shade into areas of the lawn that are consistently damp.

Your grass-growing schedule depends on where you live and the variety of grass in your lawn. Cool-season grasses typically stop between November and April with a slowdown at the peak of summer. Warm-season grasses will slow when temperatures drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit in December and January. Hiring a great lawn care team can help you pinpoint the right moment to cut back on mowing.