November in Tennessee brings cooler temperatures and slower grass growth, but your lawn still needs attention before winter arrives. Mowing correctly during this month helps protect your grass from disease and prepares it for a healthy spring comeback.
Following smart lawn care practices now will save you time and money when warmer weather returns.
1. Adjust Your Mower Blade Height
Grass needs different cutting heights as temperatures drop. Cool-season grasses common in Tennessee should be cut to about 2.5 to 3 inches in November.
Taller grass blades provide better insulation for roots during cold snaps. Cutting too short weakens the grass and makes it vulnerable to frost damage.
Check your mower settings before each November cut. A simple adjustment protects your lawn throughout winter months ahead.
2. Mow When Grass Is Dry
Wet grass clumps together and clogs your mower deck, creating an uneven cut. Morning dew and November rain make Tennessee lawns damp more often during this month.
Wait until afternoon when sunshine has dried the grass blades completely. Dry conditions also prevent soil compaction from heavy mower wheels.
Your mower will run smoother, and the lawn will look professionally trimmed. Patience pays off with better results every time you cut.
3. Keep Mower Blades Sharp
Dull blades tear grass instead of cutting it cleanly, leaving ragged brown edges. Damaged grass becomes an easy target for fungus and disease during Tennessee’s damp November weather.
Sharpen blades every 20 to 25 hours of mowing time. You can do it yourself with a file or take the blade to a hardware store.
Sharp cuts heal faster and keep your lawn green longer into fall.
4. Mulch Leaves While Mowing
Fallen leaves can smother grass if left in thick layers, blocking sunlight and trapping moisture. Running your mower over leaves chops them into tiny pieces that decompose quickly.
Mulched leaves add valuable nutrients back into the soil naturally. Just make sure the leaf layer is not too thick before you start mowing.
One or two passes usually does the trick. Your Tennessee lawn gets free fertilizer without extra raking work.
5. Reduce Mowing Frequency
Grass growth slows dramatically when temperatures consistently stay below 50 degrees. Most Tennessee lawns only need mowing once every two weeks in November, or even less often.
Watch your grass height instead of following a strict schedule. Cutting too frequently stresses the grass unnecessarily during its dormant phase.
Save fuel, time, and wear on your equipment. Let nature’s rhythm guide your mowing decisions this month.
6. Change Your Mowing Pattern
Mowing the same direction every time compacts soil and causes grass to lean permanently one way. Soil compaction reduces air and water flow to grass roots, weakening your Tennessee lawn over time.
Alternate your mowing pattern each time you cut. Go north-south one week, then east-west the next time.
Diagonal patterns work great too. Changing directions keeps grass standing upright and promotes healthier root development throughout the season.
7. Clean Your Mower After Each Use
Grass clippings left under the mower deck hold moisture and promote rust formation. November’s damp conditions in Tennessee make corrosion happen faster than during summer months.
Scrape off stuck grass with a putty knife after every mowing session. Spray the deck with water and let it dry completely before storing.
Regular cleaning extends your mower’s life by several years. A few minutes of maintenance prevents costly repairs down the road.