Colorado yards can act a little stubborn once November rolls in, and I’ve definitely stood there wondering why my mower suddenly feels useless. Then I learned a few simple rules locals swear by, and honestly, they changed how my lawn handled the chilly weeks ahead.
It’s funny how easy they are to miss when you’re rushing through a quick trim. Let me walk you through the ones that made the biggest difference for me.
1. Gradually Lower Your Blade Height
Most Colorado lawns need a final trim before winter arrives, but dropping your blade too low all at once can shock the grass. Start reducing the cutting height gradually over several mowing sessions throughout November.
Your grass should end up around two inches tall by the season’s final cut. Going shorter helps prevent snow mold from developing under winter snow cover.
Taller grass tends to mat down and create perfect conditions for fungal problems when spring arrives in the Centennial State.
2. Keep Mowing Until Growth Actually Stops
Many people assume November means the mowing season is finished, but Colorado grass often continues growing well into late fall. Your lawn keeps growing as long as temperatures stay above freezing during the day.
Watch your grass rather than the calendar to determine when to stop. Some years, you might mow into early December if conditions remain mild.
Leaving grass too long before winter creates matting problems that suffocate your lawn and invite pests to settle in for the cold months ahead.
3. Remove Leaves Before Every Mow
Fallen leaves pile up quickly across Colorado yards during November, and mowing over thick leaf layers creates problems. Heavy leaf coverage blocks sunlight and traps moisture against the grass blades.
Rake or blow leaves off your lawn before each mowing session. You can mulch small amounts of leaves with your mower, but thick layers should be removed first.
Wet leaves especially create a suffocating blanket that encourages disease and prevents proper air circulation around grass plants throughout the winter season.
4. Sharpen Blades One Final Time
Dull mower blades tear grass instead of cutting cleanly, which becomes especially problematic during November in Colorado. Torn grass blades turn brown at the tips and become more vulnerable to frost damage.
Sharp blades create clean cuts that heal quickly before freezing temperatures arrive. A professional sharpening costs around fifteen dollars and protects your investment in lawn care.
Clean cuts also help grass plants conserve energy and enter dormancy in better condition for surviving harsh Rocky Mountain winters.
5. Mow When Grass Is Completely Dry
November mornings in Colorado often feature heavy frost and dew that lingers until late morning. Mowing wet grass creates clumping, uneven cuts, and potential damage to your lawn.
Wait until afternoon when grass blades have dried completely before starting your mower. Wet grass also clogs mower decks and makes cleanup much harder.
Moisture combined with cold temperatures means wet grass takes longer to recover from mowing stress, potentially leaving your lawn weakened heading into winter across the Front Range.
6. Avoid Mowing Frozen Grass Completely
When grass blades are frozen solid, mowing causes serious damage that might not become visible until spring arrives in Colorado. Frozen grass shatters rather than bends, leaving jagged edges that turn brown.
Check your lawn by walking on it before mowing. If grass crunches underfoot or appears white with frost, wait for warmer temperatures.
Even if the calendar says you need to mow, patience prevents unnecessary harm to grass plants struggling to prepare for dormancy in the high-altitude climate.
7. Collect Clippings During Final Mows
While mulching grass clippings works great during summer months, November mowing in Colorado calls for a different approach. Collecting clippings during your final cuts prevents excess thatch buildup over winter.
Heavy clippings create thick layers that trap moisture and block air circulation. Bag your clippings or rake them up after mowing to maintain good lawn health.
You can add collected clippings to compost piles or use them as mulch around garden beds throughout your Colorado property for the winter season ahead.
8. Clean Mower Deck After Every Use
Grass clippings stick to mower decks and trap moisture, which leads to rust and corrosion during Colorado’s winter storage period. November’s damp conditions make this problem worse than summer mowing.
Scrape or wash your mower deck thoroughly after each use. Remove all grass buildup from under the deck and around the blade area.
A clean mower performs better and lasts longer. Taking ten extra minutes for cleaning prevents expensive repairs and ensures your equipment stays ready for next spring’s mowing season.