Louisiana lawns shift gears fast once fall rolls in, and the mowing routine reaches a point where one rule towers above the rest.
Stop too early, and the yard enters winter in rough shape. Push the mower too late, and the turf takes a hit right before cold snaps roll through. The golden cutoff point helps a lawn stay tough, tidy, and ready for every curveball the season throws.
1. Temperature Drops Signal Slower Growth
When nighttime temperatures consistently stay below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, grass growth slows dramatically across Louisiana. Most warm-season grasses like St. Augustine and Bermuda enter dormancy as temperatures cool down.
Your lawn naturally requires less frequent cutting during this period. Watch your local weather forecasts and track overnight lows to determine when growth has nearly stopped.
Once temperatures stay consistently cool for several weeks, your mowing schedule can shift from weekly to every two or three weeks.
2. Grass Height Matters For Winter Health
Maintaining the right grass height before winter protects your lawn from disease and cold damage. For St. Augustine grass, aim for about 2.5 to 3 inches before you stop mowing completely.
Bermuda grass should be kept around 1.5 to 2 inches tall. Cutting too short exposes roots to freezing temperatures, while leaving grass too long invites pests and fungal problems.
Your final mow should leave grass at its ideal height to ensure healthy dormancy throughout the colder months ahead.
3. Monitor Growth Rate Changes Weekly
Grass grows visibly slower as fall progresses, giving you clear signals about mowing frequency. Walk your yard weekly and observe how much new growth appears compared to previous weeks.
When you notice only a half-inch or less of growth per week, your lawn is telling you it needs less attention. Keep a simple journal or calendar marking each mowing session to spot patterns.
Once growth becomes barely noticeable, you can safely stop regular mowing until spring returns and temperatures warm up again.
4. Rainfall Patterns Affect Mowing Schedules
Louisiana typically receives less rainfall during fall months, which naturally slows grass growth and reduces mowing needs. Dry conditions cause grass to conserve energy and grow more slowly than during humid summer months.
If your area experiences an unusually wet fall, grass may continue growing longer than expected. Adjust your mowing schedule based on actual growth rather than calendar dates alone.
Pay attention to how moisture levels affect your specific lawn, as individual yards respond differently to changing weather patterns throughout autumn.
5. Leaf Coverage Requires Special Attention
Fallen leaves can smother grass and create damaged patches if left sitting too long on your lawn. Many Louisiana homeowners use their final mowing sessions to mulch leaves into smaller pieces that decompose quickly.
Mulching leaves provides natural nutrients to your soil while preventing thick leaf layers from blocking sunlight. Continue mowing as needed to manage leaf accumulation, even if grass growth has slowed considerably.
Once leaves stop falling and grass stops growing, you can finally retire your mower until spring arrives with warmer temperatures.
6. December Usually Marks Final Mowing
Most Louisiana lawns need their final mowing sometime in late November or early December, depending on your specific location. Southern Louisiana parishes may continue mowing slightly longer than northern areas due to milder temperatures.
By mid-December, nearly all warm-season grasses have entered full dormancy and stopped growing entirely. Your mower blades can rest until late February or March when spring growth begins.
Mark your calendar when you complete your final mow, making it easier to plan next year’s lawn care schedule more effectively.
7. Lawn Equipment Needs Proper Storage
Once you finish your final fall mowing, prepare your equipment for several months of storage to ensure it starts easily next spring. Clean grass clippings from under the deck, change the oil, and stabilize remaining fuel in the tank.
Sharpen or replace mower blades during the off-season so they’re ready when growth resumes. Store your mower in a dry, protected location away from moisture and extreme temperature changes.
Proper maintenance now saves you frustration and repair costs when mowing season returns to Louisiana in the springtime months.