When to Start Mowing Your Lawn

Busting out the mower too early can cause problems all summer.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 6:04pm

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The optimal time to start mowing your lawn depends on your regional climate and the type of grass in your yard. Experts recommend waiting until the lawn has clearly 'woken up' from winter dormancy and the grass reaches about 4 inches tall before cutting it for the first time of the season.

Why it matters

Mowing too early can stress the turf and make the lawn more susceptible to pests, disease, and drought throughout the growing season. Following the proper mowing schedule is key to maintaining a healthy, lush lawn all summer long.

The details

Cool-season grasses like fescue and Kentucky bluegrass wait for consistent soil temperatures above 50°F to start growing again, while warm-season grasses like Bermuda and zoysia don't wake up until soil temperatures are closer to 70°F. Experts recommend using a soil thermometer to determine when the lawn is ready, or looking for signs of active growth. Once the grass reaches 4 inches tall, it's time for the first mow, but be sure to follow the 1/3rd rule and never take off more than 1/3rd of the height. Starting the season with a sharp mower blade is also crucial to avoid ragged cuts that can expose the grass to disease and pests.

  • Cool-season grasses start growing again when soil temperatures are consistently above 50°F.
  • Warm-season grasses don't wake up until soil temperatures reach around 70°F.

The players

Brian Feldman

Senior director of technical operations at TruGreen, the lawn care company.

Dan DiClerico

Home Improvement & Outdoor Director at Good Housekeeping.

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What they’re saying

“The key is to wait until the lawn has clearly 'woken up' from winter dormancy, so you're not stressing the turf too early.”

— Brian Feldman, Senior director of technical operations at TruGreen

“If you start mowing too soon, you risk stressing the turf too early. That will make your lawn more susceptible to pests, disease, and drought throughout the growing season.”

— Brian Feldman, Senior director of technical operations at TruGreen

The takeaway

By waiting until the lawn has clearly emerged from winter dormancy and the grass reaches the optimal height, homeowners can set their lawns up for a healthy, lush growing season and avoid common issues like pests, disease, and drought that can arise from mowing too early.