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Daily Record
Daily Record
Lifestyle
Kate Lally & Lucy Farrell

The exact date to cut your grass after winter as garden experts share mowing tips

During the colder months, outdoor tasks like cutting the grass can get put on hold, mainly due to the gloomy and wet weather.

While conditions during the winter aren't pleasant enough to be outside for long periods of time, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) says you should not mow the lawn if the ground is soft, wet or frozen - as it can damage the soil and hinder growth.

The RHS advises that the grass should be cut every two weeks during the spring and summer time, as it grows best when temperatures hit above 6c. With days get longer and the warmer seasons drawing closer, many gardeners may be wanting to know when to begin mowing the lawn once more - and experts have revealed the exact date.

The Woodland Trust says that March is the next month that you'll have to start cutting. However, the first mowing date of the season depends on location, local conditions, weather and terrain, the Liverpool Echo reports.

According to a survey carried out by the nature charity, those looking for a guideline should look to March 18 as the first date to cut, as it is the average date of the first lawn cut in the UK. But gardeners should make sure to check their lawns for any wildlife before mowing.

The Wildlife Trust said: "Before you mow, be sure to scout your lawn for any animals that could be harmed. Hedgehogs in particular like to curl up in long grass and may otherwise go unnoticed."

Three top tips for grass cutting

Make sure to check your overgrown grass for woodland critters like hedgehogs (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The Wildlife Trust have also taken the time to offer some expert tips for anyone looking to perfect their mowing technique.

1. Start off small

Take just a small amount off the top of your grass on the first mow - less than a third of the height is ideal. Cutting too close will stress the grass, causing shallow roots and making your lawn more susceptible to drought, disease and bare patches.

You can take progressively more off over the following weeks without damaging the grass.

2. Avoid mowing in the morning

Cut later in the day so any frost has thawed or dew evaporated – cutting dry grass is best.

3. Wait for dry conditions

If the ground is too wet, the weight of the mower can damage the grass and compact the soil, making it harder for grass to establish healthy roots.

If it’s been wet or you have heavy soil, wait for a few dry days to pass before mowing.

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