When to Mow Your Lawn for the First Time in Spring

After months of snow and cold, that first pass with the mower feels like a fresh start. Cut too early or too short and you can set the lawn back. Wait for the right moment and use the right height, and you give your grass a strong start for the rest of the year. For homeowners in Grand Rapids, Rockford, Ada, and the rest of West Michigan, here is a straightforward guide.

When Is the Right Time for the First Mow

Let the lawn tell you. You want to see:

• Consistent growth. The grass is actually growing, not just sitting there green.
• Dry enough ground. Mowing when the soil is soggy can tear the turf and leave ruts.
• Reasonable height. Most lawns are ready when the grass has reached about three to four inches and could use a trim.

In our area, that often lines up with late March or early April, but a mild or long winter can shift things. Watch the yard, not just the calendar.

What Height to Use for the First Cut

Do not scalp the lawn. The first mow of the year should take off only the top third of the grass blade. That might mean setting the mower one notch higher than you would in the middle of summer. Taller grass early in the season shades the soil, keeps moisture in, and helps the roots grow. Cutting too low stresses the plant and can invite weeds and disease.

Setting Yourself Up for the Rest of the Season

• Make sure the mower blade is sharp. A dull blade tears the grass and makes it more vulnerable to stress and disease.
• Only mow when the grass is dry. Wet grass clumps, sticks to the deck, and does not cut evenly.
• Leave the clippings on the lawn if they are short and scattered. They return nutrients to the soil and do not cause thatch when the lawn is mowed regularly.

How the First Mow Fits With Feeding and Other Care

Many homeowners in Byron Center, Caledonia, Holland, and nearby communities time the first mow with the start of their lawn care program. Mowing before the first spring fertilizer application can help the treatment reach the soil and get to the roots. If you have had issues with weeds or thin areas, getting the mowing height and timing right from the start supports everything else you do this season.

Trees and shrubs benefit from care in late winter and early spring too. If you are already planning plant health care or pruning, coordinating that with the first mow and feed keeps the whole property on the same schedule.

When in doubt, wait until the grass is clearly growing and the ground is dry enough to mow without damage. One good first cut beats an early one that sets the lawn back. For a custom plan that fits your yard and our West Michigan climate, contact us for a free estimate and we can help you get the season started right.