October in Missouri brings cooler weather and lush green lawns that still need attention. Mowing might feel less urgent, but timing and technique matter more than ever.
A few simple habits can help your lawn stay thick and healthy before winter sets in. Here are ten mowing rules every Missouri homeowner should follow this month.
1. Raise Your Mower Deck Height
Cooler fall weather means your grass grows differently than it did all summer long. Raising your mower blade to about three inches helps Missouri lawns develop stronger root systems before winter arrives.
Taller grass blades capture more sunlight, which your lawn converts into stored energy. This stored food helps your yard survive freezing temperatures and bounce back faster when spring warmth returns to the Show-Me State.
2. Keep Blades Sharp and Clean
Dull mower blades tear grass instead of cutting it cleanly, leaving ragged edges that turn brown and invite disease. Sharp blades make clean cuts that heal quickly and keep your Missouri lawn looking its best throughout October.
Check your blade every few weeks during mowing season. If you notice brown, frayed grass tips after mowing, it’s definitely time to sharpen or replace that blade before your next cut.
3. Mow When Grass Is Dry
Wet grass clumps together and clogs your mower, creating an uneven cut that looks messy. Morning dew is common across Missouri in October, so wait until mid-morning or afternoon when everything has dried out.
Dry grass also prevents soil compaction from your mower’s wheels. Compacted soil makes it harder for roots to breathe and absorb nutrients, weakening your lawn right when it needs strength for winter.
4. Follow the One-Third Rule
Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade length in a single mowing session. Cutting too much at once stresses your lawn and reduces its ability to photosynthesize effectively.
If your Missouri grass has grown too tall between mowings, make multiple passes over several days instead of scalping it all at once. Gradual trimming keeps grass healthy and prevents shock that could weaken your yard before winter sets in.
5. Change Your Mowing Pattern
Mowing the same direction every time creates ruts in your soil and trains grass to lean one way. Switching up your pattern each time you mow encourages upright growth and prevents wheel damage.
Try diagonal stripes one week, then horizontal the next, then vertical after that. Missouri lawns benefit from this variety, developing stronger stems and more even growth patterns that look professionally maintained all season long.
6. Leave Grass Clippings Behind
Grass clippings contain valuable nitrogen and nutrients that feed your lawn naturally as they decompose. Leaving them on your Missouri yard saves money on fertilizer and reduces waste.
Short clippings break down quickly without creating thatch buildup. They return moisture to the soil and create a natural mulch layer that protects grass roots from temperature swings common in October across the state.
7. Avoid Mowing Frozen Grass
Frost-covered grass is brittle and breaks easily when you walk or mow over it. Those broken blades turn brown and create ugly dead patches that take weeks to recover.
October mornings in Missouri often bring frost, especially later in the month. Wait until the sun melts the ice completely and grass blades soften before firing up your mower for the day’s work.
8. Reduce Mowing Frequency Gradually
As temperatures drop throughout October, Missouri grass slows its growth rate significantly. You’ll notice longer intervals between necessary mowings as the month progresses toward November.
Pay attention to actual growth rather than sticking to a rigid schedule. Some weeks might require mowing while others don’t, depending on rainfall and temperature. Mowing only when needed reduces stress on grass preparing for dormancy.
9. Clear Leaves Before Mowing
Thick leaf coverage blocks sunlight and traps moisture against grass, creating perfect conditions for mold and disease. Rake or blow leaves off your Missouri lawn before each mowing session.
You can mow over a light leaf scattering to mulch them into tiny pieces that decompose quickly. Heavy leaf layers, however, should be removed completely to prevent suffocating your grass during this critical preparation period.
10. Schedule Your Final Mow Strategically
Your last October mowing sets the stage for winter survival and spring recovery. Most Missouri lawns benefit from a final cut in late October when grass growth nearly stops.
Set your blade slightly lower than normal for this final pass, around two to two-and-a-half inches. Shorter grass prevents matting under snow and reduces hiding spots for rodents, while still providing adequate protection for roots through cold months ahead.