
5 Tips for Your First Spring Lawn Cut
As the weather gets warmer and the snow melts away, it’s time to start thinking about your lawn care routine. One of the most important steps in maintaining a healthy lawn is the first cut of the season. This initial cut sets the tone for the rest of the year, so it’s important to do it right. Here are five short bullet point tips to help you achieve a successful first lawn cut in the spring.
First, make sure to check that your lawn mower blades are sharp. Dull blades can damage your grass, leaving it vulnerable to disease and pests. Additionally, it’s important to mow your grass at the correct length. For general use lawns, the recommended mowing height is 20-40mm. Cutting your grass too short can cause damage and leave it vulnerable to weeds.
Another important tip is to wait until temperatures are consistently above 40 degrees Fahrenheit before attempting your first mow of the spring. Mowing frosted or frozen grass can damage your lawn, possibly killing it. It’s also important to avoid mowing again if temperatures drop and there is frost. In addition, be mindful of lawn weeds, especially crabgrass, which are the first seeds to germinate in the spring. Aerating the lawn stirs them up and gives them an ideal home, so if you must aerate in the spring, consider doing it around Memorial Day, after weeds have started growing but before they go to seed.
Why is the First Lawn Cut Important?
The first lawn cut of the year is crucial to maintaining a healthy and lush lawn throughout the growing season. Here are a few reasons why:
- Promotes growth: Mowing the lawn stimulates growth and encourages the grass to spread out and thicken up, resulting in a fuller, healthier lawn.
- Prevents thatch buildup: Thatch is a layer of dead grass and other organic material that accumulates on the surface of the soil. Regular mowing helps prevent thatch buildup, which can suffocate the grass and lead to disease and other problems.
- Improves appearance: A freshly mowed lawn looks neat and tidy, and can boost curb appeal and the overall appearance of your property.
- Prevents weed growth: Mowing the lawn regularly can help prevent weeds from taking over, as it removes the tops of young weed plants before they have a chance to mature and produce seeds.
- Ensures even growth: Mowing the lawn at the right height ensures even growth and prevents the lawn from becoming patchy or uneven.
By following a few simple tips for the first lawn cut of the season, you can set your lawn up for success and enjoy a beautiful, healthy lawn all year long.
Tips for the First Lawn Cut in Spring

Tip 1: Clear debris and prepare the mower
Before mowing your lawn for the first time in spring, it’s important to clear any debris, such as twigs or leaves, that may have accumulated over the winter months. This will prevent the debris from getting caught in the mower blades and potentially damaging them. Additionally, you should prepare your mower by checking that it’s in good working condition and that the blades are sharp.
Tip 2: Mow at the right height
When mowing your lawn for the first time in spring, you should avoid cutting the grass too short. The ideal grass height for the first cut is around 5-7cm. Cutting the grass too short can weaken it and make it more susceptible to disease and pests. Additionally, it’s important to adjust the mower height based on the type of grass you have in your lawn.
Tip 3: Mow when the grass is dry
It’s important to mow your lawn when the grass is dry. Mowing wet grass can cause the mower blades to clog and leave clumps of grass on your lawn. Additionally, wet grass can be slippery, making it more dangerous to mow.
Tip 4: Alternate mowing patterns
When mowing your lawn, it’s important to alternate mowing patterns to prevent the grass from leaning in one direction. This will help to ensure an even cut and a more attractive lawn. Additionally, alternating mowing patterns can help to prevent soil compaction.
Tip 5: Don’t scalp the lawn
Scalping the lawn means cutting the grass too short, which can damage the grass and make it more susceptible to disease and pests. Additionally, scalping can cause the soil to dry out more quickly, making it more difficult for the grass to grow. To avoid scalping your lawn, make sure to adjust the mower height and cut the grass at the appropriate height.
Conclusion
Spring is a crucial time for lawn care, and the first cut of the season sets the tone for the rest of the year. By following these five tips, you can ensure that your lawn stays healthy and beautiful:
- Wait until temperatures are consistently above 5°C Fahrenheit before mowing.
- Check your lawn mower for safety and make sure the blades are sharp.
- Don’t cut your grass too short, and never remove more than a third of the blade height.
- Don’t mow wet grass, as it can damage your lawn.
- Consider fertilising your lawn in early or late spring to promote healthy growth.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure that your lawn stays healthy and beautiful throughout the spring and summer months. Remember to always prioritise safety when using your lawn mower, and never hesitate to seek professional help if you’re unsure about how to care for your lawn.
Is Your Lawn Mower Ready for the Growing Season? It May Be Time to Upgrade Your Lawn Care Game
Below is the top 5 best selling lawn mowers here in the UK.
- The ARM 3200 lawnmower – the powerful all-purpose lawnmower
- Offers three cutting height settings (20 - 40 - 60 mm), while the innovative grass comb enables close-to-edge mowing along walls, flower beds and lawns
- The large 31-litre grass box requires less emptying, while the powerful 1200 W motor ensures effortless mowing, even with tall grass
- Easy to handle and transport thanks to its low weight of just 9.0 kg
- Scope of supply Amazon Edition: ARM 3200, additional blade, carton packaging
- POWERFUL YET PORTABLE: Make light work of garden maintenance with the VonHaus electric lawn mower, featuring a 1200W motor, 3,400RPM no-load speed, and 10m power cable for mighty manoeuvrability.
- 30L COLLECTION BAG: Your corded lawn mower comes with a large collection bag, designed to make constant trips to the garden bin a thing of the past. Get the job done quickly and efficiently thanks to the 320mm working width.
- SAFETY TRIGGER: The rotary lawnmower requires two switches to be activated before powering on, designed to prevent accidental activation. When in use, keep the path clear thanks to the handy cable clip.
- 3 CUTTING HEIGHTS: Use the electric mower’s manual height adjustment system to achieve your desired lawn aesthetic. Adjust the cutting height between 25mm, 45mm, and 65mm as required.
- OUR BRAND PROMISE: Established in 2009, VonHaus is the helping hand you need to craft your dream garden, from the patio floor to the hedge tops. Use our lawnmower with confidence.
- Double folding handles and stackable grass box for compact storage
- Grass combs cut right up to and over the edge.
- The ideal lawnmower for first time home buyers as it cuts medium to large sized gardens
- Designed to be simple and easy to use with useful carry handle and an easy to remove grass box
- Choose your ideal cutting height with a choice of five settings between 20 to 60 mm, easily adjustable with a central handle
- Sound pressure level at operators ear dB(A): 87
- Compact and lightweight, this hover mower is ideally designed for smaller gardens so you can mow your lawn in comfort
- Utilises a 1400 W motor so you can tackle gentle slopes and bumpy gardens with ease
- A 25 cm cutting width and 11-31 mm cutting height ensures a neat and tidy finish to your lawn
- Equipped with a 10 m cable so you can cover the length of your lawn without an extension cable
- Supplied with a metal cutting blade for premium cutting performance
Last update on 2025-02-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
As a seasoned expert in the field of garden power tools, I have dedicated over a decade to working with and reviewing a wide variety of lawn mowers. My extensive experience has allowed me to gain a deep understanding of the benefits and limitations of different types of mowers and garden tools.
Over the years, I have honed my skills in writing informative articles and creating helpful videos for various blogs and publications. This has given me the ability to not only recognise what makes a good lawn mower, but also to help you choose the perfect garden tool for your specific needs and requirements.
With my wealth of knowledge and expertise, I am confident that I can provide you with valuable insights and recommendations when it comes to selecting the right lawn mower for your lawn. So, whether you're looking for a battery cordless, electric, petrol, or robotic mower, you can trust in my expertise to guide you towards the best option for your garden.