The Best Mowing Practices for a Healthy Lawn in Spring

Spring is the season your lawn wakes up — and how you mow during these early months can make or break its health for the rest of the year. Many homeowners think mowing is just about cutting the grass, but it’s actually one of the most important cultural practices for a healthy, resilient lawn.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best mowing practices for spring, including height, frequency, blade sharpness, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Why Spring Mowing Matters

After winter dormancy, grass needs a little TLC to green up properly. Mowing isn’t just about making it look tidy — it helps:

✅ Stimulate new growth
✅ Improve density and reduce weeds
✅ Encourage deeper root development
✅ Prevent disease and stress

But to get these results, you need the right mowing strategy.

Tip #1: Start with Sharp Blades

A dull blade tears grass instead of cutting it cleanly. Torn blades lead to:

❌ Brown tips
❌ Moisture loss
❌ Increased vulnerability to disease

✅ Before your first mow:

• Sharpen your mower blade (or have it professionally sharpened)
• Clean off debris from last season
• Make sure the deck is level

💡 Pro Tip: Sharpen your blade every 20–25 mowing hours — or at least 2–3 times per season.

Tip #2: Don’t Cut Too Short

Scalping your lawn in spring is one of the fastest ways to weaken it.

Grass Type (Ontario)	Ideal Mowing Height
Kentucky Bluegrass	2.5" to 3.5"
Perennial Ryegrass	2" to 3"
Fine Fescue	2" to 3"

The 1/3 Rule:

Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade in a single mowing session. Cutting too much stresses the grass and invites weeds.

Example: If your lawn is 3", don’t cut it shorter than 2".

Tip #3: Mow When the Lawn is Dry

Wet grass clumps together and causes uneven cuts. Plus, damp soil makes it easy to leave ruts or cause compaction with heavy equipment.

✅ Wait until mid-morning or early evening on a dry day
✅ Clear debris and sticks before mowing
✅ Change mowing direction every time to reduce ruts and compaction

Tip #4: Mow Frequently (But Smartly)

In spring, your lawn grows fast — especially after fertilizing. To keep it in top shape:

✅ Mow once per week early in the season
✅ Increase to twice per week in peak growth (late May–June)
✅ Adjust frequency based on weather and rainfall

🔄 Consistent mowing promotes even growth and a thicker, greener lawn.

Tip #5: Leave the Clippings (Most of the Time)

Grass clippings are natural fertilizer. They return nitrogen to the soil and help retain moisture.

✅ Use a mulching mower setting
✅ Only bag clippings if they’re too long or wet
✅ Avoid clumping, which can smother the grass

Bonus Tip: Edge and Trim for a Clean Finish

Mowing is the foundation but edging and trimming give your lawn that professional polish.

✔️ Use a string trimmer along hard edges (driveways, sidewalks)
✔️ Edge beds and borders 2–3 times per month
✔️ Consider a lawn care package with full trimming and edging included

Let Us Handle the Mowing for You

At Contract Link, we offer professional mowing and lawn care services across Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph, Hamilton, and surrounding areas.

✅ Weekly and biweekly mowing plans
✅ Sharp blades and commercial-grade mowers
✅ Clean cuts, mulched clippings, and proper edging
✅ Lawn health reports and tips included
✅ Fully insured and environmentally friendly practices

👉 Book Your Spring Lawn Service Now

A healthy lawn starts with smart mowing — and we’re here to help. 🌿