November hits Florida lawns differently, and mowing gets a little trickier than usual. I learned that one small change in blade height can completely shift how my yard looks.
The weather cools just enough to change how grass reacts. Follow these rules and your lawn will stay sharp, clean, and proud all month long.
1. Adjust Your Mowing Height for Cooler Weather
Grass in Florida slows down its growth when temperatures drop in November. Raising your mower blade by about half an inch helps protect the roots from cooler nights and morning frost.
Taller grass blades also shade the soil better, keeping moisture locked in longer. Most Florida lawns do best at around three to four inches during this time.
Your yard will thank you with healthier, greener grass throughout the season.
2. Mow Less Frequently as Growth Slows Down
With cooler November temperatures across Florida, your grass won’t grow as fast as it did during summer. You might notice you can skip a week between mowing sessions without your lawn looking overgrown.
Cutting too often can stress the grass when it’s trying to conserve energy. Pay attention to how quickly your lawn grows and adjust your schedule accordingly.
Most homeowners find mowing every ten to fourteen days works perfectly during this month.
3. Never Remove More Than One-Third of the Blade
Cutting off too much grass at once shocks the plant and weakens its ability to photosynthesize properly. Following the one-third rule keeps your Florida lawn strong and resilient during November’s transitional weather.
If your grass has gotten tall, mow it down gradually over several sessions instead of all at once. This practice prevents stress and keeps your yard looking lush.
Healthy grass recovers faster and fights off weeds more effectively too.
4. Keep Your Mower Blades Sharp and Clean
Dull blades tear grass instead of cutting it cleanly, leaving ragged brown edges that invite disease. November is a perfect time for Florida homeowners to sharpen their mower blades before the final cuts of the season.
Sharp blades create clean cuts that heal quickly and keep your lawn looking neat. Check your blades every few weeks and sharpen them when they start to look worn.
Clean equipment also prevents spreading fungi between sections of your yard.
5. Mow When the Grass is Completely Dry
Morning dew is common in Florida during November, making grass wet until late morning. Mowing wet grass clumps up under your mower and creates uneven cuts that look messy.
Wet clippings can also smother sections of your lawn and promote fungal growth. Wait until the afternoon when everything has dried out completely before you start mowing.
Your mower will run smoother, and your lawn will look much better after each cut.
6. Change Your Mowing Pattern Every Time
Mowing in the same direction repeatedly causes grass to lean one way and creates ruts in your Florida yard. Switching up your pattern each time encourages upright growth and prevents soil compaction.
Try diagonal, horizontal, or vertical stripes to keep things interesting. Your lawn develops stronger roots when the grass stands up straight instead of bending over.
Plus, changing patterns gives your yard that professional, striped look that neighbors will admire.
7. Leave Grass Clippings on Your Lawn
Many Florida homeowners don’t realize that grass clippings act as free fertilizer for their lawns. Small clippings break down quickly in November’s mild weather, returning valuable nutrients back to the soil.
This natural process reduces the amount of fertilizer you need to buy and helps your grass stay green. Just make sure the clippings are short and spread evenly so they don’t clump.
Your wallet and your lawn will both benefit from this simple practice.
8. Watch Out for Chinch Bugs During Mowing
November is still warm enough in Florida for chinch bugs to damage your lawn, especially St. Augustine grass. While mowing, look for irregular brown patches that might indicate an infestation.
Catching these pests early prevents major damage and expensive treatments later. If you spot suspicious areas, part the grass and check for tiny black bugs with white wings.
Healthy mowing practices combined with vigilant monitoring keep your lawn protected and thriving all season long.