How to mow a lawn
Mowing little and often at the right height keeps grass thick and green and crowds out weeds and moss. Here's the RHS approach through the seasons.
- Time
- 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
- Checked
What you’ll need
- Lawn mower (rotary or cylinder) Search Amazon for cordless lawn mower
- Long-handled edging shears Search Amazon for long handled edging shears
- Sturdy shoes and, for petrol or electric mowers, eye protection
- Compost bin for clippings
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Safety first
- Switch off and unplug an electric mower, or disconnect the spark plug lead on a petrol mower, before clearing a blockage or touching the blades.
- Keep the cable of a corded mower behind you, and plug it into an RCD-protected socket or use a plug-in RCD.
- Keep children and pets away while you mow.
Step by step
-
Step 1: Know when to mow
Most lawns need mowing every week or two from March to October, and occasionally in mild winter spells if the grass is growing and the ground is firm. Stop mowing during long summer droughts, when the grass stops growing.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Set the height
Raise the blades to the highest setting for the first cut of spring, then lower them gradually over a few weeks. The RHS suggests about 4cm (1½in) in spring, autumn and winter and 2.5cm (1in) in summer for an ordinary lawn. Leave it longer in shade or for a hard-wearing family lawn.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Follow the one-third rule
Never remove more than a third of the grass height in one go. If the lawn has got long, bring it down over several cuts a few days apart. Cutting too short (scalping) weakens the grass and leaves bare patches.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Check the lawn first
Pick up stones, toys, sticks and dog mess. Check for hedgehogs and frogs in long grass, particularly along the edges. Mow when the grass is dry: wet grass clogs the mower and tears rather than cuts, and mowing very wet ground compacts the soil.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Mow in straight lines
Mow round the edge first to give yourself room to turn, then go up and down in straight lines, slightly overlapping each strip. Change the direction you mow each time to stop the grass leaning one way.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: Deal with the clippings
Collect clippings, as a thick layer left on the lawn encourages moss and fungal problems. In hot, dry weather you can leave very short clippings (under about 1cm) on the lawn to help hold in moisture. Add the rest to the compost heap, mixed with brown material like cardboard.
Next: step 7 -
Step 7: Trim the edges
Finish with long-handled edging shears to trim the grass that overhangs paths and borders. It makes the whole lawn look neater.
Tips
- Keep the mower blades sharp. Blunt blades bruise the grass tips, which turn brown.
- Leaving an area unmown, or mowing less often, gives flowers like clover and daisies a chance to bloom, which helps pollinators.
- In a dry spell, raise the cutting height: longer grass copes better with drought.
Questions people ask
How short should I cut my grass?
About 2.5cm in summer and 4cm in spring and autumn for an ordinary lawn, according to the RHS. Fine ornamental lawns are cut shorter.
When should I stop mowing for winter?
Most lawns need their last regular cut in October or November. Mow occasionally in mild spells if the grass grows and the ground isn't wet or frozen.
When can I mow a new lawn?
Let new grass reach about 5cm tall, then cut it lightly with the mower on its highest setting.
Sources
Checked 9 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
- RHS: how to mow a lawn (rhs.org.uk)
- Electrical Safety First: garden safety (electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk)
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Printed from howtoguides.uk/guides/how-to-mow-a-lawn/ · Checked 9 October 2026 · General information only. For gas, electrics, structural work, medical, legal or money decisions, use a qualified professional.