First Mowing of New Fall Lawn Before Winter

A month-old lawn at 5+ inches must be cut before winter. Mow to normal height (~3 inches). Long grass mats under snow, promoting snow mold and weakening crowns.

Regular mowing encourages lateral spread and thickening. Entering winter at proper height improves spring green-up and reduces disease pressure.

Use sharp blades. Remove no more than 1/3 of blade height per mowing—if 5 inches, cut to ~3.5 inches now, then to 3 inches in a few days.