When to Stop Mowing in Fall: The Right Timing for a Healthy Lawn

Don’t rely on the calendar. Watch your lawn for the real signs it’s time to stop mowing.

When Should You Stop Mowing This Fall?

As fall settles in and temperatures begin to dip, you might wonder when it’s time to stop mowing your lawn. The truth is, there’s no set date to put the mower away. The real sign to stop mowing isn’t the calendar — it’s when your grass stops growing.

Here’s how to know when that time has come, and why your final mow of the season matters more than you might think.

Signs It’s Time to Stop Mowing

🔹 Temperatures Drop Below 60°F (for Warm-Season Grasses)
Warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia slow their growth significantly when temperatures fall below 60°F. Once nighttime temps consistently stay below this mark, your mowing schedule can wind down.

🔹 Growth Slows Down
Even if the grass hasn’t stopped growing completely, you may notice it’s only growing a tiny bit each week. This is your cue to start mowing less frequently, but don’t stop too soon. Letting the grass grow too long before winter can lead to problems with matting and disease.

🔹 Time It Before the First Hard Frost
Plan to do your final mow about a week before your area’s first hard frost. This keeps your lawn healthy going into dormancy. For Wisconsin lawns, this often means sometime in late October or early November, depending on the weather that year.

The Ideal Height for Your Final Mow

Your last mow of the season should leave your grass around 2 to 2.5 inches tall. This height helps prevent snow mold, matting, and overwintering pests while still providing enough leaf surface for photosynthesis during sunny fall days.

Avoid cutting it too short — scalping the lawn before winter weakens the turf. Leaving it too long can invite pests and disease.

Let Segway Navimow Finish the Season for You

With unpredictable weather and tight fall schedules, it can be hard to time that final mow just right. That’s where the Segway Navimow shines. Our robotic mowers handle the last stretch of mowing quietly, cleanly, and completely hands-free.

Whether you’re ready to upgrade or need help with setup, Ballard Power Works is here to help. We proudly service and install Navimow mowers within 50 miles of Janesville and Hayward, Wisconsin, and ship anywhere in the U.S.

Is Your Navimow Ready for Winter?

Once your mowing season wraps up, it’s time to prep your Navimow for winter storage. Check out our Navimow winter readiness guide for easy tips to keep your robotic mower protected and in top shape for next spring.

Want to talk fall lawn care or see if Navimow is right for your yard? Contact us today and let’s get started.