November in Georgia brings cooler temperatures and slower grass growth, but your lawn still needs attention. Following the right mowing practices this month can make a huge difference in how your yard looks come spring.
Smart mowing habits protect your grass from winter stress and help it bounce back stronger when warm weather returns.
1. Raise Your Mower Blade Height
Taller grass stays healthier during Georgia’s cooler November days. Adjust your mower deck to leave grass about three to three and a half inches tall after cutting.
Longer blades help your lawn store more energy and protect roots from temperature drops. Cutting too short weakens grass and makes it vulnerable to disease and frost damage throughout winter months.
2. Mow Only When Grass Is Dry
Wet grass clumps together and clogs your mower, creating uneven cuts that look messy. Morning dew is common in November across Georgia, so plan to mow during afternoon hours when sunshine has dried everything off.
Cutting damp grass also spreads diseases more easily between blades. Wait for dry conditions to get cleaner results and keep your lawn healthier through the season.
3. Keep Mower Blades Sharp
Dull blades tear grass instead of cutting it cleanly, leaving ragged brown edges that make your whole yard look sick. Sharp blades slice through each blade smoothly, promoting faster healing and better appearance.
Check your mower blade every few weeks during November. A quick sharpening session takes just minutes but delivers noticeable improvements in how your lawn responds to each trim.
4. Change Your Mowing Pattern
Grass actually learns to lean in the direction you mow, which creates ruts and compacted soil over time. Switch up your mowing direction each time you cut during November to encourage upright growth.
Alternating patterns also prevents wear patterns from forming in high-traffic areas. Your Georgia lawn will look fuller and healthier when grass blades stand tall rather than leaning to one side constantly.
5. Leave Grass Clippings On The Lawn
Bagging clippings wastes valuable nutrients your lawn needs for winter preparation. Small grass pieces decompose quickly, returning nitrogen and other minerals back into the soil naturally.
This practice, called grasscycling, reduces fertilizer needs and keeps your Georgia lawn nourished without extra cost or effort. Just make sure clippings are short enough that they do not smother grass underneath them completely.
6. Avoid Mowing Frozen Grass
Frost makes grass blades brittle and easy to damage. Walking on or mowing frozen grass breaks the delicate cell structure, leaving ugly brown footprints and tire tracks that take weeks to recover.
Georgia occasionally sees frosty mornings in November, especially in northern counties. Wait until afternoon when temperatures rise above freezing and frost completely melts before starting your mower for best results and lawn protection.
7. Reduce Mowing Frequency
Cooler November temperatures slow grass growth significantly across Georgia. Your lawn probably needs cutting only once every two weeks instead of weekly like during summer months.
Pay attention to actual growth rather than sticking to a rigid schedule. Some weeks you might skip mowing entirely if grass barely grew at all. Unnecessary mowing wastes time and fuel while stressing grass needlessly.
8. Clear Leaves Before Mowing
Thick leaf layers smother grass and block sunlight your lawn needs to stay healthy. Rake or blow leaves into piles before mowing to prevent them from clogging your mower deck.
You can mulch small amounts of leaves while mowing, but heavy leaf cover requires removal first. Keeping grass visible to sunlight during November helps it prepare properly for winter dormancy throughout Georgia.
9. Service Your Mower Before Storage
November might be your last mowing month before winter arrives in Georgia. Clean grass buildup from under the deck, change the oil, and replace the air filter to keep your mower ready.
Add fuel stabilizer if you plan to store your mower for several months. Proper maintenance now prevents starting problems next spring and extends your equipment’s lifespan significantly with minimal effort required.