Garden Q&A: Should I still cut the grass on my lawn in winter?

Whether you're a gardening beginner or expert, Irish Examiner columnist Peter Dowdall has the answer to your questions

Grass doesn’t stop growing completely in winter, it just slows down, so an occasional light trim in November can keep it looking neat and prevent it from getting too long and scruffy. File picture

Question

Should I still cut the grass at this time of year, or should I leave it for the winter?

Answer

Yes, you can still cut the grass, but only if it’s dry and the ground is firm. 

Grass doesn’t stop growing completely in winter; it just slows down, so an occasional light trim in November can keep it looking neat and prevent it from getting too long and scruffy. 

Raise the mower blades so you’re just topping it rather than giving it a close shave, because short grass is more prone to frost damage. 

Avoid cutting the grass when the grass is wet or frozen. File picture

Avoid cutting when the grass is wet or frozen, as that can compact the soil and tear the roots. After the final cut, clean the mower and put it away dry. Then, leave the lawn alone until spring.

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