How-to
How Often Should You Cut Grass in the UK?
6 min read · Updated September 2026
Most UK lawns need cutting about once a week in late spring and early summer, every one to two weeks in mid-summer and early autumn, and only occasionally in winter. The best single rule is to never remove more than a third of the grass blade in one cut. Follow that and the lawn will stay thicker, greener and far less weedy than one cut hard and infrequently.
The exact rhythm depends on the weather, the type of grass and how much wear the lawn takes. This guide sets out a sensible pattern across the year and explains how to adjust it.
The one-third rule
Grass stores energy in its leaves. Cut too much at once and the plant goes into shock, the lawn turns yellow or brown, and moss and weeds get a foothold in the gaps. Taking no more than a third of the height at any one cut keeps the grass growing strongly.
In practice that means if you want a lawn at about 4cm, you cut it when it reaches around 6cm. When growth is fast, that happens quickly, which is why spring and early summer need the most frequent mowing.
A mowing pattern through the year
| Period | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| March to April | Every 1 to 2 weeks | First cuts on a high setting |
| May to June | About weekly | Peak growth, keep to the one-third rule |
| July to August | Every 1 to 2 weeks | Raise the height in dry spells |
| September to October | Every 1 to 2 weeks | Growth slows, clear leaves first |
| November to February | Rarely, if at all | Only on dry, frost-free days |
What height to cut at
For a typical family lawn, somewhere between about 2.5cm and 4cm through the main season works well. Shadier lawns and lawns that dry out quickly prefer the higher end. The very first cut of spring and the last of autumn should be higher still, with the mower set a notch or two up.
Cutting too short, known as scalping, is one of the most common reasons lawns struggle. It exposes soil, weakens roots and invites moss, which is covered in more detail in our guide to removing moss from a lawn.
Adjusting for the weather
In a hot, dry spell grass slows down and can turn straw coloured. That is a natural defence, not a sign it has died. Raise the cutting height, mow less often and leave the lawn be; it usually recovers once rain returns. After a wet, warm week, growth can jump suddenly, so an extra cut helps keep you within the one-third rule.
Avoid mowing when the grass is soaking wet or frozen. Wet grass clumps and tears rather than cutting cleanly, and walking on a frosty lawn damages the blades.
Bringing long grass back down
If the lawn has been left for several weeks, do not try to take it back to normal height in one go. Set the mower to its highest setting for the first cut, then lower it a step at a time over the next few cuts, a few days apart. It takes a little longer, but the lawn stays green instead of going brown and patchy.
Very long or tufty grass sometimes needs strimming down first before a mower can deal with it. If a garden has been left for a whole season, that is often a job for a tidy-up visit.
Finishing touches that make the difference
- Keep mower blades sharp so grass is cut cleanly, not torn
- Vary the mowing direction now and then to avoid ruts
- Edge the lawn every few cuts for a crisp finish
- Collect clippings when the grass is long; they can smother the lawn
Help with grass cutting
Prime Outdoor Services provides lawn mowing, edging and strimming as part of regular garden maintenance, with lawn treatments, scarifying, overseeding and turfing available when a lawn needs more than a cut. We are based in Winnersh with over 18 years of experience. Get in touch if you would like a mowing routine set up.
Frequently asked questions
- How often should I cut my grass in summer?
- Around once a week in late spring and early summer, easing to every one to two weeks in mid-summer, and less in hot, dry spells when growth slows.
- Should I cut grass in winter?
- Only occasionally, on a dry, frost-free day when the grass has grown noticeably, and with the mower on a high setting.
- Is it bad to cut grass too short?
- Yes. Scalping weakens the grass, exposes soil and encourages moss and weeds. Keep to the one-third rule and a moderate height.
- Should I leave clippings on the lawn?
- Short clippings from a regular cut can be left to return nutrients. Long clippings should be collected, as they can smother the grass.