Alabama lawns respond differently once November rolls in, and mowing needs a gentle shift. I adjusted my routine last year and saw healthier grass almost instantly.
These small changes keep your yard steady through the cooler months. With the right approach, your lawn stays sharp even as temperatures drop.
1. Adjust Your Mower Blade Height
Alabama lawns benefit from a slightly lower cut as November arrives. Dropping your blade to around two and a half inches helps prevent snow mold and other fungal diseases that thrive under longer grass during wet, cool weather.
Your grass won’t grow as fast now, so this adjustment makes sense. Cutting too short stresses the roots, though, so avoid scalping your yard completely or you’ll see brown patches by December.
2. Mow When Grass Is Dry
Wet grass clumps together and clogs your mower deck, creating an uneven cut that looks messy. Morning dew is common across Alabama in November, so wait until midday when the sun has dried things off before you start mowing.
Damp clippings also stick to your shoes and get tracked everywhere. Plus, mowing wet grass can cause your mower to slip on hills, which is dangerous and can damage your turf with ruts.
3. Keep Your Mower Blades Sharp
Dull blades tear grass instead of cutting it cleanly, leaving ragged edges that turn brown and invite disease. November is actually a perfect time in Alabama to sharpen your blades since you won’t be mowing as frequently.
Sharp blades make your job easier and faster too. You’ll notice your mower runs smoother and uses less gas when the blades slice through grass effortlessly instead of ripping at it with each pass across your yard.
4. Reduce Mowing Frequency
Cooler November temperatures slow grass growth dramatically throughout Alabama. You might only need to mow every two weeks instead of weekly, saving you time and fuel costs.
Watch your lawn rather than following a strict schedule. Some weeks your grass might barely grow at all, especially after a cold snap. Mowing too often when growth has slowed wastes your energy and can actually stress your turf unnecessarily during its natural dormancy period.
5. Leave Clippings on the Lawn
Grass clippings decompose quickly and return valuable nutrients to your soil, acting like free fertilizer. November in Alabama provides ideal conditions for this because cooler weather prevents clippings from creating a smelly, matted mess.
This practice, called grasscycling, reduces your need for chemical fertilizers. The clippings contain nitrogen that feeds your lawn naturally, helping it stay nourished through winter and emerge healthier when spring arrives in your Alabama neighborhood.
6. Avoid Mowing Frozen Grass
Frost happens more often in Alabama during November mornings, especially in northern parts of the state. Walking or mowing over frozen grass blades breaks them, causing permanent brown damage that won’t recover until new growth appears.
Frozen grass is brittle like glass. Wait until afternoon when temperatures rise above freezing and the frost melts completely. Your patience protects your investment and keeps your lawn looking attractive throughout the cooler months ahead.
7. Change Your Mowing Pattern
Mowing the same direction every time creates ruts and compacts soil in wheel tracks. Alabama’s clay-heavy soil is particularly prone to compaction problems that restrict root growth and water absorption.
Alternate between horizontal, vertical, and diagonal patterns each time you mow. Your grass will stand more upright, and you’ll avoid those unsightly stripes where your mower wheels repeatedly press down the turf in exactly the same spots week after week.
8. Watch for Hidden Obstacles
Fallen leaves, pine cones, and sticks accumulate quickly on Alabama lawns during November. Hidden objects can damage your mower blades or become dangerous projectiles when struck.
Walk your yard before mowing to spot and remove debris. Kids’ toys, rocks, and branches blend into longer grass easily. Taking five minutes to clear your lawn prevents expensive repairs and potential injuries from flying objects that could hit windows or people nearby.
9. Prepare Your Mower for Storage
Late November often marks the last mow of the season for many Alabama homeowners. Properly maintaining your mower now ensures it starts easily next spring without costly repairs or frustrating mechanical problems.
Change the oil, clean the deck thoroughly, and stabilize the fuel or drain it completely. Sharpen the blades one final time and check the air filter. Your future self will thank you when March arrives and your mower fires up immediately.