The timing of the first lawn mowing each year varies by region and depends on several environmental factors, according to guidance based on data from NOAA and university turfgrass research. Homeowners are advised to avoid mowing too early or too late in order to maintain healthy lawns throughout the season.
Key indicators for determining when to begin mowing include the passing of the local last-freeze date, soil temperatures reaching suitable levels for grass growth, and grass height exceeding one-third above the desired mowing height. For instance, cool-season grasses such as fescue and bluegrass typically start growing when soil temperatures remain between 50–65°F, while warm-season varieties like Bermuda require soils around 65°F.
NOAA’s last-freeze map is recommended as a starting point for identifying average freeze dates across different regions. "NOAA’s last-freeze map is the best starting point. It shows the average date when the chance of dropping below 32°F falls under 50%. For example, Chicago’s typical last freeze is around April 21, while Denver averages closer to May 5. Depending on elevation or proximity to water, your own lawn may be earlier or later. Always check the nearest NOAA station rather than relying on statewide averages."
Regional guidelines suggest that Gulf and South Atlantic areas often begin mowing in early March, with frost-free coastal zones sometimes starting sooner. Southern Interior and Mid-Atlantic regions usually follow from late March into April; Midwest and Northeast lawns are generally ready between April and early May; Rockies, High Plains, and Upper Midwest can expect late April through May; Pacific Coast timelines range from March along coastal areas to slightly later inland.
Lawn care experts recommend following a checklist before making the first cut: sharpen mower blades for clean cuts; mow only when grass is dry; set appropriate cutting heights—2.5–3.5 inches for cool-season grasses and 1–2 inches for warm-season types—and adhere to the one-third rule by not removing more than a third of blade length at once.
"Once conditions line up, you can use this checklist to run through the most important things to know before taking out the mower. In addition, ensure your equipment is ready to avoid any damage the first time you head out."
Special considerations apply depending on grass type: warm-season lawns should not be mowed until soil temperatures consistently reach about 65°F, with fertilizer applications delayed until active growth resumes; cool-season lawns may need gradual reductions in height if spring rains cause excessive growth before mowing becomes possible.
Weather also plays a role in scheduling maintenance. On wet days it is preferable to wait until grass dries before mowing or make lighter passes at higher deck settings if immediate action is needed. During heat waves it is advisable to mow less frequently during cooler parts of day.
To determine an exact first-mow date quickly, homeowners can consult NOAA’s interactive freeze map alongside monitoring their specific grass growth stage.
All recommendations are drawn from sources including NOAA/NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/land-based-station/us-climate-normals), National Weather Service data (https://www.weather.gov/), USA National Phenology Network (https://www.usanpn.org/data/spring), USGA (https://www.usga.org/course-care/seasonal-turfgrass-management.html), University of Georgia Extension (https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C660), University of Minnesota Extension (https://extension.umn.edu/lawn-care/mowing-practices-home-lawns#cool-season-grasses-1259860), Iowa State University Extension (https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/news/2021/04/how-mow-lawn-spring).
For those who prefer professional assistance with lawn care tasks such as routine mowing or seasonal preparation, GreenPal offers an online platform connecting users with landscaping professionals in their area: "Let's remember, though, that not everyone has time to mow their lawn, and if you need a professional to do it for you, GreenPal can get you a quote today for a cut that could happen tomorrow. GreenPal lets you connect with multiple landscaping professionals in your area to book a single mow or get routine service to keep your yard looking healthy."