When Should You Start Cutting Grass in Scotland?
Why there isn’t a fixed date, what to look for before the first cut of the year, and how often to cut once things get going.
Published · 4 minute read
There isn’t a single date for the first grass cut of the year in Scotland. It depends on the weather, where you live and how sheltered your garden is. A lawn in a sunny, sheltered garden can be ready weeks before one on higher, more exposed ground.
Watch the lawn, not the calendar
Grass starts growing properly once the ground warms up in spring. In much of central Scotland that’s often somewhere between March and April, but a cold, wet spring can push it later.
Good signs that it’s time for the first cut:
- The grass is visibly growing and looking a bit shaggy
- The lawn is dry enough to walk on without leaving footprints
- There’s no frost forecast for the next few days
Keep the first cut high
For the first cut of the year, set the mower on one of its highest settings and just take the top off. Cutting too short early on can stress the grass and leave the lawn looking patchy. You can lower the height gradually over the next few cuts.
A common rule of thumb is not to remove more than about a third of the grass height in one go.
Avoid wet and frosty days
Cutting wet grass tends to tear it rather than cut it cleanly, clogs the mower and can leave ruts in soft ground. Walking on frosty grass can also damage it. If in doubt, wait for a drier day.
How often should you cut?
Once the grass is growing well — usually from late spring through summer — many lawns need cutting about once a week. In slower periods, such as early spring and autumn, every couple of weeks is often enough. Hot, dry spells slow growth too, so it’s fine to cut less often and leave the grass a little longer.
When does the season end?
Growth slows down as autumn gets colder. Many people give the lawn a final cut in October or November, again on a higher setting. Our winter garden guide has more on getting the lawn ready for the colder months.
Want someone else to do it?
If keeping up with the grass isn’t for you, we offer grass cutting and lawn care in Lesmahagow and the surrounding area — one-off cuts or regular visits.