The right height for the final cut
Counter-intuitive: the final cut should be neither too short nor too long.
- Too short: exposes roots to frost, promotes moss.
- Too long: grass flattened by snow/moisture rots and suffocates the lawn.
Aim for 4-5 cm on the final cut (one setting shorter than your summer height), when grass growth has slowed (often late October–November depending on region). Mow in dry conditions.
Why this is also the time for maintenance The final cut precedes storage. It's the ideal opportunity to prepare the machine before months of downtime. We cover full winterisation in detail (oil change, fuel, spark plug) in a dedicated guide, but here are the immediate post-mow steps:
| Step | Why |
|---|---|
| Clean the mower deck underneath | Stuck grass traps moisture → corrosion and blade rust |
| Check blade sharpness | A dull blade tears grass (brown tips) |
| Check oil level (petrol models) | Before the winterisation drain |
