Lawn Care in Late Spring: Mowing, Weed Control, and Feeding

Mowing Frequency and Height

In normal temperate late spring weather, lawns need cutting every 7–10 days; fine bowling-green turf every 5 days. Infrequent cutting removes more blade per mow — fine grasses respond poorly, coarse grasses (rye, annual meadow grass, creeping bent, couch) flourish with less competition, weeds and moss increase.

Frequent cutting weakens coarse grasses, encourages fine ones. Fine lawn mixes contain sheep's fescue — evolved on hills/downs cropped continuously by grazing animals over centuries, constitutions built for survival under such pressure.

Good height: 1 cm (½ in) for very fine, else 2 cm (¾ in). Best finish: mower with 8–10 blades on cutting cylinder. Current view: use collecting box/bag — clippings left on surface encourage worms, spread weeds, prevent aeration. Dry weather only: leave as minor mulch.

Weed Treatment

Late spring = best time for selective hormone weedkiller on lawn weeds. Weeds growing fast → chemical rapidly absorbed and spread in sap. Mid-spring feeding encouraged growth anyway. Apply evenly (solid or liquid). Generally: 2 days after last cut, wait 2–3 days before next cut. Hormone weedkillers extremely potent — choose calm, windless day for application (solution or powder).