November in Oklahoma brings cooler temperatures and a slower pace for your lawn, but that doesn’t mean you can forget about mowing altogether. Your grass still needs attention, even as winter approaches.
Following the right lawn care practices this month will help your yard stay healthy through the cold season and bounce back beautifully when spring arrives.
1. Adjust Your Mower Height To Three Inches
Raising your mower blade to about three inches helps Oklahoma grass prepare for winter dormancy. Taller grass blades protect the crown and root system from freezing temperatures that arrive later in the season.
Cutting too short weakens your lawn and makes it vulnerable to frost damage. Most warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia benefit from this extra height during November.
Your yard will look fuller and healthier when you maintain proper cutting height throughout the month.
2. Mow Only When Grass Is Actively Growing
Oklahoma lawns slow down considerably in November, so you might not need to mow as often as summer months. Watch your grass carefully and only cut when it actually grows tall enough to need trimming.
Warm-season grasses enter dormancy as temperatures drop, turning brown and stopping growth entirely. Once this happens, put your mower away until spring returns.
Unnecessary mowing stresses dormant grass and wastes your valuable weekend time when the lawn doesn’t need attention.
3. Never Remove More Than One-Third Of Grass Blade
The one-third rule remains important even during November’s cooler weather. Removing too much grass at once shocks the plant and weakens its ability to survive winter conditions.
If your lawn grew taller than expected, make multiple passes over several days instead of scalping it down in one session. Gradual trimming keeps your grass healthy and stress-free.
Oklahoma’s unpredictable November weather sometimes brings warm spells that encourage growth spurts, making this rule especially relevant for maintaining lawn health.
4. Keep Your Mower Blades Sharp Throughout The Season
Dull blades tear grass instead of cleanly cutting it, creating ragged brown edges that invite disease and pest problems. November’s cooler, damper conditions make clean cuts even more critical for preventing fungal infections.
Sharpen your blades before the final mows of the season to ensure your lawn stays healthy. Professional sharpening costs just a few dollars and makes a noticeable difference in cut quality.
Well-maintained equipment works better and lasts longer, saving you money on replacements down the road.
5. Avoid Mowing Wet Grass In November
Oklahoma receives more rainfall during November, making wet grass a common challenge. Mowing damp lawns creates clumping, uneven cuts, and potential damage to your turf and mower.
Wet grass clippings stick together and smother healthy grass underneath, creating bare patches. Your mower also struggles with wet conditions, potentially clogging and stalling during operation.
Wait for sunny afternoon hours when dew has evaporated completely. Patient timing produces better results and protects your equipment from unnecessary strain and rust.
6. Mulch Leaves While Mowing Your Lawn
November brings falling leaves across Oklahoma, and your mower can handle both grass and leaf cleanup simultaneously. Mulching leaves into small pieces feeds your lawn valuable nutrients as they decompose over winter.
Thick leaf layers block sunlight and trap moisture, encouraging mold growth and suffocating grass beneath. Running over leaves with your mower breaks them down into beneficial organic matter.
This two-for-one approach saves time and improves soil quality naturally without requiring separate raking sessions or bagging trips.
7. Schedule Your Final Mow Before First Frost
Oklahoma typically experiences its first frost in mid to late November, signaling the end of mowing season. Plan your final cut about one week before the expected frost date in your area.
Your grass should enter dormancy at the proper height without overgrowth that could mat down and cause problems. Check local weather forecasts regularly to time this last mow perfectly.
Proper timing ensures your lawn looks neat throughout winter and emerges healthy when warmer spring temperatures return to Oklahoma.