Households urged to stop mowing lawns when temperatures drop to this exact level

The advice also warns against cutting grass when the ground is very soft, wet or frozen

Households across the UK are being urged to stop mowing their lawns when temperatures drop to a specific level.

As we enter September, people will be trying to catch the last glimpses of warm weather before the seasons change, which means keeping their garden intact.

But gardeners are being urged to check the temperature outdoors before reaching for the mower. According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), you should stop cutting your grass when temperatures drop to 7C, although frost and the condition of the ground matters just as much as the reading.

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The RHS says grass ‘continues to grow in temperatures above 7C,’ making 7C a practical threshold for deciding when to stop regular mowing when temperatures consistently fall below this level. But it also warns against mowing when ground is very soft, wet or frozen.

If a mild spell of warm weather keeps the grass growing, the RHS says winter mowing can still be done occasionally on a high cut setting.

Six checks to make before the final cut

1. Use 7°C as a weather marker. Look at the forecast and the grass itself, then stop routine cuts once the temperature is no longer supporting visible growth.

2. Wait for a dry, defrosted lawn. A cold or saturated surface is more easily damaged and can be compacted by the mower.

3. Leave the mower higher for the final cut. The RHS gives up to 40mm as a general spring and autumn height for ordinary domestic lawns.

4. Never remove more than one-third of the blade at once. If the grass is long, make a lighter pass instead of trying to reach the final height in one go.

5. Change the direction of travel. Alternating the cut helps prevent ruts forming in lawns that are mown repeatedly along the same lines.

6. Clean the machine before storage and test its safety controls. The RHS specifically advises checking the dead man’s handle, while electric mower users should fit an RCD.

The advice also says that the last cut should not be a race to make the lawn as short as possible. Using a higher autumn setting leaves more leaf area, and waiting for dry conditions reduces the risk of tearing turf or pressing down wet soil.

Daniel Weston, Founder at SEO Backlinks, said: “Treat 7°C as a guide, not a promise. Check the forecast and the condition of the grass before the final cut, and leave the mower in the shed when the ground is wet or frozen.”

That means a lawn can still need attention after the thermometer dips, but not necessarily another full cut. If it is still growing in mild weather, make a light pass on a high setting. If the ground is wet or frozen, leave the mower in the shed.