The one resource you need to know how to mow your lawn, make it look beautiful, and protect it from problems season after season.
Let’s be honest—mowing the lawn isn’t exactly on anyone’s list of favorite weekend activities.
❌ Sitting in the hot sun
❌ on uncomfortable mower seats (or worse, behind a push mower)
❌ Getting covered in grass clippings
But here’s the thing: that regular date with your mower is doing way more for your yard than just keeping the neighbors from giving you funny looks.
Think of mowing as your lawn’s regular haircut. Just like a good trim keeps your hair healthy, regular mowing helps your grass develop stronger roots, fight off weeds naturally, and stand up to whatever weather Southern Ontario throws at it (and we all know that can be… unpredictable).
Ever noticed how a freshly mowed lawn just looks different—more like a lush green carpet and less like an overgrown field? That’s because proper mowing encourages your grass to grow outward rather than just upward, creating that dense, carpet-like look everyone wants.
The truth is, how you mow matters just as much as how often. Throughout this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about keeping your Southern Ontario lawn looking its best—from when to mow to how to create those envy-inducing stripes. Your lawn is about to become the talk of the neighborhood (in a good way, we promise).
“So how often should I drag the mower out of the garage?” For most Southern Ontario lawns, you’re looking at a date with your mower every 7-10 days during the growing season (late spring through early fall). This sweet spot gives your grass enough time to recover between cuts without turning your yard into a mini jungle.
But here’s a pro tip: watch your grass, not your calendar. Your lawn doesn’t care what day of the week it is—it grows when conditions are right, regardless of your schedule.
Your lawn is like that friend who changes their personality with the seasons. You need to adapt your approach accordingly:
Spring (April-May) 🌻🌷🌹: Your grass is basically a toddler at this point—growing like crazy and demanding all your attention. During this growth spurt, you might need to mow every 5-7 days to keep up. Those spring rains combined with warming temperatures create perfect growing conditions, and your lawn is here for it.
Summer (June-August) ☀️😎⛱️: When the heat kicks in, your lawn pumps the brakes. During those hot, dry stretches (when you probably don’t want to be mowing anyways), you might only need to mow every 10-14 days. Cutting less frequently during drought conditions is actually doing your lawn a favor—it’s already stressed enough trying to survive the heat. Pro Tip: Did you know you can get a lawn mower with a cab and A/C? Check it out here…
Fall (September-November) 🎃🍂🥮: The cooler temperatures and fall rains trigger another growth spurt. You’ll likely return to the 7 day schedule early in the season, gradually extending to 10-14 days as winter approaches. Your final mow should happen when daytime temperatures consistently hover below 10°C—usually somewhere in mid-to-late November.
Instead of marking “mow lawn” on specific days in your calendar, use the “one-third rule” as your guide: never cut off more than one-third of your grass height in a single mowing. That might mean mowing more often when your grass is channeling its inner Jack’s beanstalk, and less frequently during slower growth periods.
For example, if you keep your lawn at a sophisticated 3 inches, it’s time to mow when it reaches about 4.5 inches. This approach is less stressful for your grass (and honestly, probably less stressful for you too).
Want more details on how often to mow? Dig deeper here →
What’s the ideal height for your grass? For our Southern Ontario cool-season grasses (fancy names like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fescues), you want to aim for the 2.5-3.5 inch sweet spot. This height range isn’t arbitrary—it’s actually your lawn’s comfort zone where:
When summer brings the heat (hello, humid Southern Ontario summers), consider raising your mowing height toward the upper end of this range—around 3-3.5 inches. The extra height provides more shade for your soil and roots, helping your lawn stay hydrated longer between waterings.
We’ve all been tempted to cut the grass super short so we can go longer between mowings (more weekend BBQ time, right?). Unfortunately, this “shortcuts” strategy usually backfires. When you mow below 2 inches, you’re essentially giving your lawn a buzz cut, which:
Over time, consistently mowing too short is like putting your lawn on a starvation diet—it gets weaker and in danger of everything from crabgrass to grub damage.
Think of the one-third rule as the golden rule of mowing: never remove more than one-third of the total grass height in a single mowing session. This approach prevents shock to your grass and gives it time to recover without stress.
Here’s how it works in real life: If you maintain your lawn at 3 inches…
This might mean mowing more frequently during spring growth spurts, but your lawn will be healthier, greener, and more resilient as a result. Your neighbors might start asking for your secrets.
Curious about the perfect height for your specific grass type? Learn more here →
Let’s talk timing. When should you actually fire up that mower? In Southern Ontario, early evening (between 4-7 PM) is your lawn’s happy hour. Here’s why:
Can’t make the evening mowing window work with your schedule? Late morning (after the dew has dried) is your next best bet.
Early Morning: 🌄🚫 Yes, it’s cooler, but that dewy grass is just asking for trouble:
Midday (11 AM-3 PM): ☀️🚫 The heat of the day is tough on both you and your grass:
After Dark: 🌙🚫 Unless you’ve installed stadium lighting in your backyard:
Working your mowing schedule around these guidelines helps your lawn stay healthy while making the job easier on you, too.
Want to dive deeper into optimal mowing times? Check this out →
What type of mower is right for your yard? Here’s how to find “the one” based on your lawn size:
Small Lawns (Under 1/4 acre):
Medium Lawns (1/4 to 1 acre):
Large Lawns (Over 1 acre):
Not all yards are flat as a pancake, and your equipment needs change when slopes enter the picture:
Flat, Even, Small Lawns: Zero-Turns or Push Mowers
Hilly or Sloped Areas: Lawn Mowers or Garden Tractors
Rough, Uneven Ground: Compact Tractors
When choosing equipment, always factor in safety features:
Remember, the right mower not only saves you time but also produces better results. It’s an investment in both your lawn and your weekend relaxation time.
Want to compare lawn mowers and compact tractors in detail? Check this out →
Curious about compact tractors for your larger property? Learn more here →
Ever wonder how some lawns have those gorgeous stripe patterns like they were stolen from the Rogers Centre? It’s not just for show (though it does look amazing)—proper mowing patterns actually promote healthier grass and prevent soil compaction. Let’s up your mowing game:
Basic Patterns Everyone Can Master:
Switching up your mowing pattern each time is like changing your workout routine—it prevents problems and improves results:
Try changing your mowing pattern by at least 45 degrees each time. Maybe go north-south one week, east-west the next, and diagonal the third week. Your lawn will thank you with more even growth.
The secret behind those fancy stripes isn’t complicated—it’s all about bending grass in alternate directions, which reflects light differently. Here’s how to get that country club look:
With a little practice, you’ll create patterns that make your lawn look like it belongs in a magazine—and your neighbors might start asking for your landscaping secrets.
One of the most common questions: “Should I leave grass clippings on my lawn or bag them?” In most cases, you should absolutely leave them! Mulching (returning finely chopped clippings to the lawn) is like giving your grass a free lunch:
Today’s mulching mowers chop clippings into tiny pieces that quickly disappear between grass blades. Within a day or two, you won’t even know they’re there. This “grasscycling” approach creates a natural nutrient loop that benefits both your lawn and your wallet.
😎 Pro Tip: If you’re really into mulching, you’ll also want to dethatch your lawn too.
While mulching is generally the way to go, certain situations call for collecting those clippings:
If you do collect clippings, consider starting a compost pile rather than sending them to the landfill. Mixed with brown materials (leaves, small twigs), grass clippings make excellent compost for your garden beds.
Side-discharge mode shoots clippings out from under the mower deck without the fine mulching or bagging:
Many modern mowers let you switch between these three modes with a simple lever or plate adjustment, giving you flexibility based on your lawn’s current condition.
Want to learn more about managing grass clippings effectively? Read our full guide here →
We’ve all been there—your lawn needs mowing, but Southern Ontario’s unpredictable weather has other plans. Can you mow wet grass? Ideally, you shouldn’t, but sometimes you have no choice. Here’s what you need to know:
Why It’s Better to Wait for Dry Conditions:
If Rain Has Ruined Your Mowing Plans But You Can’t Wait:
The best approach is patience—even a few hours of sunshine and breeze can sufficiently dry your lawn for a much better mowing experience.
Slopes and hills present unique challenges—and safety concerns. How do you tackle them without turning your mowing session into an internet sensation?
For Walk-Behind Mowers:
For Riding Equipment:
Safety First (Because Gravity Never Takes a Day Off):
Some homeowners with particularly steep properties opt for alternative groundcovers or professional services for these challenging areas.
Need more tips on safely mowing wet grass? Find them here →
You’ve invested time and money overseeding your lawn—the last thing you want to do is damage those tender seedlings with premature mowing. When should you make that first cut?
Perfect Timing for Your First Mow:
Baby Your New Grass With These First-Mow Tips:
For the first 4-6 weeks after overseeding, treat your lawn like a newborn—with extra care and gentleness. By that point, your new grass should be ready to join the regular mowing routine.
You’ve invested in new sod—now you need to let it establish before mowing. How long should you wait?
The Right Time for the First Cut:
Make That First Mow Count:
Remember that weather affects establishment time—sod installed in cool spring or fall weather may take a bit longer to root compared to summer installations.
Need a guide to mowing for your newly seeded lawn? Find it here →
How often should you sharpen those mower blades? This might be the most overlooked aspect of lawn care, but it makes a huge difference. Dull blades don’t cut your grass—they tear it, leaving jagged edges that:
For Southern Ontario lawns, aim to sharpen your blades:
You can sharpen blades yourself with a bench grinder or file, or even a pumice stone. Many experienced homeowners keep a spare set of blades to swap out, allowing continuous use while one set is being sharpened.
Regular maintenance doesn’t just extend your equipment’s life—it improves cutting performance and saves you money in the long run:
After Each Use (Just 5 Minutes of Effort):
Monthly Maintenance (Your Mower’s Spa Day):
Seasonal Maintenance (The Deep Clean):
Before storing for the off-season:
These maintenance habits not only extend your equipment’s life but ensure your lawn gets the cleanest possible cut each time.
Sometimes you’re facing areas that have gone beyond the capabilities of your regular mower—maybe it’s that back corner you’ve been ignoring, or perhaps you’ve purchased property with overgrown areas. How do you tackle serious brush and overgrowth?
Tools for Taming the Wild:
Before You Charge In:
Safety First (Because Brush Cutting Can Go Sideways Fast):
For very large clearing projects or areas with trees larger than 3 inches in diameter, consider calling in the professionals. They have specialized equipment designed for efficient land clearing and can often complete in hours what might take you days.
Congratulations! You’re now armed with all the knowledge you need to transform your Southern Ontario lawn from “ugh” to “awesome” through smarter mowing practices.
Remember, effective lawn mowing isn’t just about cutting grass—it’s about creating the right conditions for your lawn to thrive. By implementing the proper timing, height adjustment, equipment selection, and maintenance we’ve covered, you’ll be well on your way to having that enviable yard that makes neighbors slow down as they drive by.
Your lawn is unique—with its own combination of grass varieties, soil conditions, drainage patterns, and microclimates. Pay attention to how it responds to different mowing practices and be willing to adjust your approach. The best lawn care combines technical know-how with attentive observation.
Think of your lawn as having its own language—it communicates through its appearance, growth patterns, and overall health. By “listening” to these signals and responding appropriately, you’ll develop an intuitive understanding of what your specific lawn needs to look its best.
Have questions about seasonal lawn care, specific problems, or specialized situations? Explore our detailed articles on specific topics. Your perfect lawn is absolutely achievable with the right knowledge and consistent care—and now you’ve got both!
What Height Should I Mow My Grass To? – Maple Lane Farm Service
You shouldn’t mow wet grass (Here’s why) – Maple Lane Farm Service
Compact Tractors vs Lawn Mowers: What’s the Difference? – Maple Lane Farm Service
How Often Should You Mow Your Lawn? [Southern Ontario] – Maple Lane Farm Service
Can I Use My Lawn Mower for Snow Removal? – Maple Lane Farm Service
How and When to Mow Your Lawn After Seeding – Maple Lane Farm Service
What’s the Best Time of Day to Mow? – Maple Lane Farm Service
What Should I Do with Grass Clippings? – Maple Lane Farm Service
For cool-season grasses common in Southern Ontario (Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fescues), maintain a height of 2.5-3.5 inches. During summer heat, keep grass closer to 3-3.5 inches to provide more shade for soil and roots, improving drought resistance and reducing weed growth.
Follow the one-third rule: never cut more than one-third of the grass height in a single mowing. Generally, this means mowing every 7-10 days during the growing season. In spring (April-May), you might need to mow every 5-7 days due to rapid growth. During hot summer periods (June-August), you may only need to mow every 10-14 days. In fall (September-November), return to a 7-day schedule early in the season, extending to 10-14 days as winter approaches.
Early evening (4-7 PM) is ideal as the grass is dry, temperatures are cooler, and the lawn has time to recover before nightfall. If evening mowing isn’t possible, late morning after dew has dried is your next best option. Avoid mowing in early morning when grass is wet, during midday heat (11 AM-3 PM), or after dark.
In most cases, leave the clippings on your lawn (mulching). They provide up to 25-35% of the nitrogen your lawn needs, improve moisture retention, and support healthy soil biology. Only bag clippings when: grass is excessively long, during fungal disease outbreaks, when weeds have gone to seed, or during spring and fall cleanups.
Professional stripes are created by bending grass in alternate directions, which reflects light differently. Use a mower with a roller behind the cutting deck (or add an aftermarket striping kit), maintain straight lines with slight overlap between passes, and keep your grass at a higher cut height (3-3.5 inches) for more dramatic stripes. Sharp blades are essential for cleaner cuts that bend more uniformly.
Sharpen your mower blades every 20-25 hours of mowing time, approximately every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Additionally, sharpen blades immediately after hitting any obstacle and at the beginning and end of each mowing season. Dull blades tear grass rather than cutting it cleanly, leading to water loss, disease entry points, and a brownish lawn appearance.
For small lawns (under 1/4 acre), consider a push reel mower, electric push mower, or gas push mower. For medium lawns (1/4 to 1 acre), look at self-propelled walk-behind mowers, small riding mowers/lawn tractors, or entry-level zero-turn mowers. For large lawns (over 1 acre), standard zero-turn mowers, garden tractors, or compact tractors with mower decks are most efficient.
Before storing for the off-season: run the fuel tank empty or add fuel stabilizer, remove the battery from electric models, clean thoroughly to remove grass (which can cause corrosion), apply a light coat of oil to metal deck parts to prevent rust, and store in a dry, protected area. Consider scheduling professional service during winter when repair shops aren’t busy.
Yes. Mulching mowers chop clippings into tiny pieces that quickly decompose between grass blades, returning valuable nutrients to your soil. This “grasscycling” approach creates a natural nutrient loop that benefits both your lawn and reduces the need for additional fertilizer. Most modern mowers offer mulching capabilities, with many providing the flexibility to switch between mulching, bagging, and side-discharge modes.
For walk-behind mowers, always mow across slopes (horizontally), never up and down. Use self-propelled models to reduce slipping, wear shoes with excellent traction, and take smaller passes. For riding equipment, standard riding mowers can handle gentle slopes (up to 10-15 degrees) safely, but zero-turn mowers are less stable on hillsides than expected. Never mow wet slopes, keep all four wheels on the ground, avoid turning while on slopes whenever possible, and consider using a string trimmer for very steep spots.
Your final mow should happen when daytime temperatures consistently hover below 10°C—usually somewhere in mid-to-late November in Southern Ontario. For this final cut, lower your mowing height slightly (about 2.5 inches) to prevent snow mold during winter.
Wait until new grass reaches about 3.5 to 4.5 inches tall (about ½ to 1.5 inches taller than your target height), which typically takes 2-3 weeks after germination. For the first mow, choose a dry day when soil isn’t soggy, set your mower to the highest possible setting, ensure your blades are razor-sharp, take gentle turns to avoid uprooting seedlings, and gradually lower the height over the next 2-3 mowings.
Wait approximately 2-3 weeks after installation. Before mowing, check that the sod has rooted by gently lifting a corner—you should see white roots growing into the soil below, and the sod should resist being pulled up easily. Water your new sod 1-2 days before mowing, then let it dry out. Set your mower height high (3-3.5 inches), ensure blades are sharp, and avoid sharp turns that could disturb the sod’s connection to the soil.
Ideally, you shouldn’t mow wet grass, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. When you must mow wet grass: raise your cutting height by 1/2 inch to reduce strain, slow your pace, clean the deck frequently (with the mower OFF), take narrower passes to reduce load, use side-discharge rather than mulching, and consider using a leaf blower afterward to break up clumps. Be aware that wet grass creates jagged cuts that leave grass vulnerable to disease, and wet clippings can mat down and smother your lawn.
For seriously overgrown areas beyond regular mower capabilities, consider using brush mowers, flail mowers (for heavy brambles), rotary cutters/bush hogs (for large areas of thick vegetation), or forestry mulchers (for young forest areas). Before clearing, scout for hidden obstacles, mark anything that can’t be removed, create a clearing plan working from edges inward, and consider wildlife using the area as habitat. Always use proper safety gear and consider professionals for very large clearing projects.
Brown tips after mowing usually indicate dull mower blades that tear rather than cut the grass cleanly. These tears cause the tips to dry out and turn brown. Sharpen your blades every 20-25 hours of mowing time. Other causes include cutting too much at once (breaking the one-third rule) or mowing during the heat of the day, which stresses the grass.
Scalping (cutting too low in spots) typically occurs on uneven terrain. To prevent scalping: set your mower to a higher cutting height, avoid mowing when soil is soft and more prone to ruts, consider a mower with a floating or articulating deck that follows ground contours, and mow more slowly over bumpy areas to give the deck time to adjust to the terrain. For recurring problem areas, consider leveling the soil or converting very uneven spots to garden beds.
Yes, proper mowing height and frequency significantly reduce weed problems. Maintaining grass at 3-3.5 inches shades the soil, preventing many weed seeds from germinating. Regular mowing also removes weed flowers before they can set seed. Additionally, a dense, healthy lawn naturally crowds out many weeds. For best results, combine proper mowing with overseeding bare spots and appropriate fertilization.
Yes, switching up your mowing pattern each time prevents ruts and soil compaction, encourages upright grass growth, ensures all sides of grass blades receive equal sun exposure, and reduces “grain” development (when all grass blades lie in the same direction). Try changing your mowing pattern by at least 45 degrees each time—perhaps north-south one week, east-west the next, and diagonal the third week.
Proper mowing reduces your lawn’s water requirements. Maintaining grass at 3-3.5 inches allows for deeper root development and shades the soil, reducing evaporation. Clean cuts from sharp blades minimize water loss through wounded grass blades. Mulching clippings back into the lawn improves soil structure and moisture retention. Conversely, cutting too short (below 2.5 inches) increases water needs significantly by exposing soil to direct sun and limiting root development.
Electric mowers (battery-powered) produce zero direct emissions and are significantly quieter than gas models. However, Modern battery-powered mowers don’t often offer performance comparable to gas models, unless your lawn is under 1/4 acre. Gas mowers provide more power and unlimited runtime. Honestly, a well maintained yard will do as much for the environment through proper photosynthesis as getting an electric mower will.
To reduce mowing time: invest in a wider cutting deck appropriate for your lawn size, maintain a regular mowing schedule to avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height, convert distant or difficult-to-mow areas to low-maintenance groundcovers or meadow grasses, create efficient mowing paths that minimize turns and obstacles, keep your mower well-maintained for optimal performance, and consider a robotic mower for automatic maintenance.
If you choose to collect clippings rather than mulch, start a compost pile by mixing grass clippings (green material) with dry leaves, small twigs, or shredded newspaper (brown material) in a ratio of approximately 1:2. Turn the pile regularly for faster decomposition. The finished compost makes excellent fertilizer for gardens and flower beds. Avoid sending clippings to landfills where they contribute to methane emissions.
Yes, many alternative groundcovers like clover, microclover, and creeping thyme can be mowed to maintain a uniform appearance. For clover lawns, set your mower higher (3-4 inches) and mow less frequently than traditional grass lawns. Mowing actually helps control clover’s flower production if you prefer fewer blooms. Always use sharp blades to prevent pulling plants from the soil, especially when they’re newly established.