How short to cut grass before winter in Massachusetts

By Jorge Melo

Introduction

“How low should I cut my grass this fall?” The answer is simple: 2 to 2.5 inches for cool-season grasses and slightly taller (2.5–3 inches) for warm-season grasses.

Cut too short, and you weaken roots. Leave it too tall, and you invite snow mold, matting, and pests like voles.

The last mow of the season isn’t just cosmetic—it’s the difference between a lawn that wakes up strong in spring and one that struggles to recover. In our 35 years of business, we’ve seen lawns across New Bedford, Marion, and nearby towns thrive when homeowners make small, smart adjustments before winter sets in.

Seasonal mowing guidelines

Season	Mowing height	Mowing frequency	Watering needs	Notes
Spring (active growth)	2–3 inches	About once a week	1–1.5 inches per week	Encourages strong growth and photosynthesis.
Summer (dormancy)	3–4 inches (never too low)	Every 7–10 days (less if growth slows)	~1 inch per week (deep, infrequent)	Taller grass shades soil and prevents heat stress.
Fall (transition)	Gradually lower to 2.5–3 inches	Every 7–10 days	~1 inch per week until freeze	Lower blade gradually by ½ inch per mow.
Last mow (before winter)	2–2.5 inches (cool-season) / slightly taller for warm-season	Final mow before frost	Stop watering once soil temps drop below 40°F	Prevents matting, snow mold, and vole activity.

Core mowing knowledge

What is HOC? 

Height of cut (HOC) is simply the grass length left after mowing. It varies with grass type and season.

Why mowing too low is risky: 

Short cuts shrink roots, reduce photosynthesis, and invite weeds.

The one-third rule: 

Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at once. It keeps stress low and growth steady.

Blade care: 

Sharpen mower blades at least twice per season. Dull blades shred instead of cutting cleanly.

Wet mowing: 

Avoid it whenever possible—wet grass clumps, causes ruts, and heals poorly.

FAQ: fall lawn care & mowing tips

When should I stop mowing?

Stop once growth halts—usually after the first frost or when daytime highs stay below 50°F.

Is fall a good time to overseed?

Yes. Warm days and cool nights create perfect germination conditions for cool-season grasses.

What about aeration?

Aeration in September or October relieves compaction and strengthens roots before winter.

Should I mow in different directions?

Yes. Switching directions (including diagonals) prevents ruts and helps grass grow upright.

Is it better to mow before or after rain?

Mow before rain to avoid clumping and uneven cuts.

How should I mow new grass?

Wait until it reaches 3–4 inches and take off no more than one-third at a time.

When’s the best time of day to mow?

Late morning or early evening. Avoid frosty mornings and midday heat.

Should I weed whack before or after mowing?

Weed whack before mowing. This way, the mower can bag up the trimmer clippings along with the grass, leaving the lawn tidy and even.

FAQ about New England Tree & Landscape

Do you offer free estimates?

Yes. Call (508) 763-8000 or email request@newenglandtreeandlandscape.com.

What fall services are most popular?

Final mowing, aeration, fertilization, pruning, and leaf cleanup.

Are you insured?

Yes. We’re fully insured and follow strict safety standards.

Do you provide seasonal maintenance plans?

Yes. Our plans combine mowing, fertilization, aeration, and seasonal cleanups.

Can you handle both lawns and trees?

Yes. We provide full-service care, from lawns to tree pruning and removals.

Can you build patios?

Yes, we offer a variety of hardscaping options.

Citations

Bryant, Lauren. “How short to cut grass before winter.” Lawn Love, 26 Mar. 2025.Hartney Greymont. “Seasonal mowing heights for Massachusetts lawns.” Davey Tree Expert Company, 5 June 2025.North Atlantic Landscape. “How short to cut grass before winter in New England.” North Atlantic Land, 20 Dec. 2023.Williams, Rosie Wolf. “Mowing height debate: last mow of the season low?” LawnStarter, 14 Dec. 2024.Grass Pad. “Mowing height of cut for your grass.” 22 Apr. 2024.