How Often Should You Cut the Grass in the UK?

One of the most common lawn questions we hear is simply: "How often should I cut the grass?" Cut too often and too short, and the lawn turns thin and stressed. Leave it too long and it becomes bumpy, spongy and hard to get back under control.

The good news is that you do not need a complicated schedule. Once you understand how grass grows in the UK climate, mowing becomes much easier to plan.

Video: how often to mow your lawn

This video explains how mowing frequency affects the health and look of a lawn. It is aimed at general lawns, but the principles apply well to typical UK gardens.

Spring: waking the lawn up

Grass growth usually restarts properly in March or April, depending on where you live and the weather.

• Wait until the grass is clearly growing and the ground is reasonably firm.
• Set the mower higher than usual for the first couple of cuts.
• Mow every 10–14 days at first, moving to weekly as growth speeds up.

Summer: regular mowing without scalping

In summer the grass is normally at its quickest, especially if the lawn is fed and watered.

• Mow once a week as a starting point.
• On very vigorous lawns you may choose to mow twice a week to keep the cut light.
• Raise the height a notch during hot, dry spells so the grass can shade the soil.
• Try to avoid removing more than one third of the grass height in any single cut.

Autumn: slowing things down

As temperatures fall and days shorten, growth slows and mowing can become less frequent.

• Gradually increase the mowing height towards the end of the season.
• Move from weekly mowing to every 10–14 days as growth slows.
• Try to fit in your last cut on a dry, firm day before winter sets in.

Winter: only mow when conditions allow

In many winters, you may not need to mow at all.

• Do not mow frozen, frosty or waterlogged lawns – it can damage grass and soil structure.
• If the weather is mild and the lawn is still growing, a light tidy cut can be fine.
• Use a slightly higher setting than in summer to avoid stressing the lawn.

Choosing the right cutting height

Mowing frequency is only half the story – cutting height matters just as much.

• For most family lawns, aim for roughly 25–40mm during the growing season.
• Shaded or heavily used lawns often look better a little longer.
• Fine ornamental lawns can be cut shorter but need more care.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I let the grass get too long?

If the grass gets very long, do not try to take it back to its normal height in one go. Instead, raise the mower and gradually reduce the height over several cuts. Removing too much in one pass can leave the lawn brown and stressed.

Is it bad to mow in the rain?

Light drizzle is usually fine, but avoid mowing in heavy rain or when the ground is very soft. Wet grass clumps, sticks under the mower and increases the risk of leaving ruts in the lawn.