How Often Should You Mow Your Lawn in Spring?

Spring in the Waikato: The Grass Grows FAST.

If you have a lawn in Hamilton—or anywhere in the Waikato—you know how quickly the grass takes off in spring.

When I first arrived here in 2000 after mowing lawns on the Hibiscus Coast for a decade, I thought my first spring was a freak event. The sheer amount of growth caught me off guard—I had never seen grass grow that fast.

But it wasn’t a one-off. Every spring since, the same thing has happened. The combination of warming temperatures, regular rainfall, and fertile soil in the Waikato creates perfect conditions for explosive grass growth.

If you’re not prepared, your lawn can quickly turn into an overgrown jungle.

Why Mowing Frequency Matters in Spring.

If you're like most people, you probably don’t give much thought to your lawn until the warmer months arrive. It’s easy to overlook how fast the grass is growing until suddenly it looks wild and unkempt.

But believe it or not, how often you mow in spring has a major impact on the health of your lawn.

Cutting your grass regularly in this season does more than just keep your yard looking tidy—it actually encourages stronger, healthier growth and helps prevent problems down the track.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about mowing during spring, including how often you should mow and why it matters.

How Often Should You Mow Your Lawn in Spring?

Ideally, you should mow at least once every two weeks during spring. However, if your grass is growing particularly fast, you may need to mow more frequently—once a week may be necessary for some lawns.

A good rule of thumb: never let your grass get out of control. If it looks overgrown, it’s time to mow.

Leaving your lawn too long between cuts can lead to several issues:

🔹 Scalping the lawn – When you eventually mow long grass, you may cut off too much at once, causing stress and brown patches.
🔹 Weed takeover – Weeds love an overgrown lawn. Keeping your grass well-maintained helps prevent weeds from spreading.
🔹 Thatch buildup – Long, uncut grass can develop a layer of dead material at the base, blocking nutrients from reaching the soil.

💡 Pro Tip: Before mowing, always rake up leaves and debris. This prevents clogging your mower and helps it cut more evenly.

Why Frequent Mowing is Essential.

Mowing your lawn regularly in spring isn’t just about appearances—it plays a crucial role in keeping your lawn healthy.

Here’s why frequent mowing is essential:

✅ Encourages New Growth – Regular mowing stimulates the grass, leading to a thicker, lusher lawn. Each cut encourages the grass to branch out and fill in any thin spots.

✅ Keeps Your Lawn Looking Neat – Overgrown grass can look untidy and uneven. Mowing frequently ensures your lawn remains manicured and well-maintained.

✅ Prevents Weeds from Spreading – Many weeds spread by flowering and seeding. Regular mowing cuts weeds down before they can flower, stopping them from taking over.

✅ Improves Lawn Resilience – A well-maintained lawn is better at resisting pests, disease, and drought. Frequent mowing ensures your grass stays strong and robust.

✅ Better Mulching Effect – If you mow regularly and use a mulching mower, the small grass clippings break down quickly, returning nutrients to the soil and feeding your lawn naturally.

Time to Get Mowing!

Now that you know how important regular mowing is in spring, it’s time to get to work.

✔ Aim to mow every fortnight—or more often if your grass is growing rapidly.
✔ Always clear debris before mowing to get the best results.
✔ Keep your mower blades sharp for a clean, even cut.

A little extra effort in spring will set your lawn up for a healthier, greener, and stronger growing season ahead.

Happy mowing! 🚜🌱