How Often Should You Mow Your Lawn? [Southern Ontario]
Summary
In Southern Ontario, plan to mow your lawn once a week during peak growing seasons (late spring and early summer), and every 10–14 days in cooler or dry periods. Let grass height—not the calendar—be your main guide.
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Quick Rule of Thumb
In Southern Ontario, most homeowners should mow about once a week during the growing season.
But don’t go by your calendar—go by your grass. Since the ideal height for grass in Southern Ontario is 3″, then plan on cutting it at around 4″-4.5″.
Mowing Frequencies by Season
Spring Mowing Frequency
Grass really starts to grow in late April to early May. You’ll likely mow every 7–10 days depending on warmth and rainfall.
Summer Mowing Frequency
By June and July, you’ll often need to mow every 5–7 days—especially after a good rain. This is when cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Rye grow the fastest.
Fall Mowing Frequency
In September and October, growth slows down. Mowing every 10–14 days is usually enough until the final cut before winter.
What About Dry Spells or Rainy Weeks?
- If it’s hot and dry, your grass might go dormant. Don’t mow at all unless it’s visibly growing.
- After a rainy week, you might need to mow twice to avoid clumps or scalping.
Signs You’re Mowing Too Often (or Not Enough)
- Too often: Grass looks stressed, thin, or brown at the tips.
- Not often enough: You’re cutting off more than 1/3 of the blade, leaving clumps or yellowing patches.
One Last Tip: Follow the One-Third Rule
Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade height at once. It’s the simplest way to keep your lawn healthy, even if you miss a week.