Mowing Matters: When (and How Often) to Mow in Spring!

Spring Lawn Mowing Tips from MOF Gardens Leicestershire.

As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, your lawn is waking up from its winter slumber. Spring is the most important time of year for lawn care, and how you start mowing now can shape your garden’s health for the whole season. 

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just trying to keep things tidy, here’s why spring mowing matters – and how to get it right. 

Timing really does make all the difference when it comes to your first mow of the year. Here in Leicestershire, mid-April to early May is usually the sweet spot - but don’t just rely on the calendar. Keep an eye on the weather and your lawn itself.

Wait for a dry day when the grass is actively growing and around 5–7cm tall. If the ground’s still soggy or the grass hasn’t quite woken up yet, it’s best to hold off. Cutting too early can do more harm than good - you risk damaging the blades, compacting the soil, and ending up with patchy or stressed areas that take longer to bounce back.

A bit of patience goes a long way. That first proper cut sets the tone for the rest of the season - so give your lawn a fighting chance to get going before you reach for the mower.

Once spring rolls around, your lawn shifts into gear - longer days and a touch of warmth give it just the push it needs. As a rule of thumb, once your grass starts growing steadily, aim to mow once a week to keep it looking smart and under control.

But let’s be honest - this is Leicestershire. A burst of sun followed by a few showers and suddenly your lawn’s looking more like a jungle. In those growth spurts, you might need to mow a bit more frequently to stay ahead of it.

One thing I always recommend to customers is to never cut off more than a third of the grass height in one go. It might seem tempting to give it a close trim and stretch out the time between cuts, but that can actually do more harm than good. Gradual trimming keeps your lawn healthier, thicker, and better at crowding out weeds.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just trying to keep the garden looking tidy, a bit of regular care in spring really sets your lawn up for the months ahead. And if you'd rather leave it to someone else - we're now servicing all homes across Charnwood Forest with regular lawn maintenance and mowing services.

Even the most well-meaning lawn lovers can get caught out in spring. It’s an exciting time to get stuck in, but a few simple mistakes can set your grass back. Here are the most common ones we come across - and how to steer clear of them:

• Cutting too short (aka scalping): Tempting as it might be to give the lawn a neat buzz, mowing too low puts stress on the grass, weakens the roots, and gives weeds a chance to take hold. Always follow the one-third rule - no more than the top third of the grass in one go.

  
  

• Starting too soon: If the soil is still cold or soggy, it’s not quite time. Mowing wet grass or compacted ground can damage new growth and leave ruts in your lawn. Wait until the grass is actively growing and conditions are dry underfoot.

  
  

• Using a blunt mower blade: This one’s often overlooked. A dull blade doesn’t slice cleanly - it tears the grass instead, leaving ragged edges that turn brown and are more prone to disease. It’s worth sharpening the blade before the season kicks off, or having it serviced if it’s been a while.

Let Us Take the Mow-Stress Out of Spring!

We get it - spring lawn care can feel like just another job on the list, especially if the garden’s been left to its own devices over winter. Life gets busy, and before you know it, the grass is knee-high and your mower’s buried behind the Christmas decorations.

That’s where we come in.

At MOF Gardens, we offer flexible mowing services to suit whatever you need - whether that’s a one-off tidy-up to get things back under control, or regular scheduled visits to keep your lawn looking fresh all season long.

We proudly look after gardens in Barrow Upon Soar, Loughborough, Mountsorrel, Quorn, Rothley, Woodhouse Eaves, Swithland, Newtown Linford and more! Always with a professional, reliable service and a friendly face.

So if mowing’s not your thing, or you just want it off your plate this spring, give us a shout. We’ll take care of it, no fuss.

Enquire into our mowing maintenance service here.