After months of snow, ice and rain we’ve finally seen sunshine return this spring – and now gardeners up and down the UK have rushed to take advantage of the brief sunshine in March and have been breaking out the lawnmowers.
But garden aficianados are warning gardeners not to cut the lawn in March because it can actually destroy your lawn if you trim it too early. Samantha Richards, garden gazebo expert at Gazeboshop, has urged gardeners not to risk ruining their grass before summer.
She said: “During winter, grass enters a dormancy stage, and growth slows significantly due to the cold temperature. Even though the temperature is beginning to rise, it is still fluctuating, meaning your grass may remain dormant despite the warmer weather.
“If temperatures consistently drop below 10º C it’s advised not to trim the grass back. When temperatures drop below this for a long period of time, your grass will enter its dormant stage and stop growing. Mowing during the dormant phase can weaken the grass, making it more vulnerable to stress and disease and less resilient as the season progresses.
“Even though you may feel the urge to cut your grass as winter is coming to an end, it’s best to hold off for now. With temperatures continuing to fluctuate, there is still a high chance of overnight frost.
“Freshly cut grass is more vulnerable, increasing the chance of frost damage, such as browning and fungal diseases. Waiting until mid to late April reduces the chances of frost harming your lawn.”
Not only this, but the very root system of your lawn could be damaged if you mow the lawn now.
She added: “In early spring, grass focuses on strengthening its root system rather than growing upwards. Mowing the lawn too soon risks disrupting this process by diverting energy away from root development.
“This could also be detrimental to your hopes for a thriving summer lawn, as a well-developed root system is essential for a healthy, drought-resistant lawn in the summer months.
“When grass is cut too early, it becomes thinner and weaker, creating the perfect conditions for weeds and moss to take over your lawn.
“Strong, thick grass is better at competing for sunlight, water, and nutrients and is better able to suppress the growth of weeds and moss. By delaying your first mow of the year, you give the grass a better chance at establishing density and strong roots, promoting healthier grass while minimising the risk of invasive plants taking over.”