Keep mowing while your lawn is actively growing, then stop when growth ceases for the season. Don’t scalp it for winter: make the last cut within the height range recommended for your grass and area, and remove no more than one-third of the blade at a time. The right timing and height depend on local conditions and whether your lawn is cool-season or warm-season grass.
When should you stop mowing in fall?
Use growth as your guide, not a date on the calendar. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach puts it plainly: “Continue to mow the lawn until the grass stops growing in the fall.” If the grass is still putting on growth, mow as needed; once it has stopped for the season, the final mow has arrived.
Published timing examples are regional, not nationwide cutoffs. In central Iowa, Iowa State says Kentucky bluegrass typically stops growing when daytime highs are consistently below 50°F, usually in early to mid-November. Minnesota Extension gives around the end of October as a general example for Minnesota lawns. Your lawn’s growth and local extension guidance are more useful than applying either date elsewhere.
Does grass type affect the final mow?
Yes. Cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass and fescues, and warm-season grasses such as bermuda, centipede, and zoysia, differ in growth cycles and recommended mowing heights. Identify your grass if possible, then use guidance for that grass and your region rather than borrowing a height or timing rule from a different climate.
#1 Best Overall
- [16" LAWN MOWER] - This 40V lawn mower cuts up to 1/3 acre with fully charged 4.0Ah battery (varies based on grass condition and operator technique)
- [ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT] - 35% lighter than steel deck mowers
- [SINGLE LEVER HEIGHT ADJUST] - 5 position height adjustment
- [2-IN-1 SYSTEM] - Mulch and rear bagging
- 3-Year Warranty – Backed by Greenworks 3-year limited tool and battery warranty for dependable long-term ownership. Works with 75+ Greenworks 40V tools(trimmers, blowers, chainsaws...)—expand your cordless toolkit.
Cool-season lawns
For Kentucky bluegrass in Iowa, continue mowing until foliage stops growing; the sub-50°F daytime-high cue and early-to-mid-November timing apply to central Iowa. Arkansas Extension says to mow cool-season turf, such as tall fescue, until growth ceases.
Warm-season lawns
Arkansas Extension advises mowing warm-season grass until the first frost. For bermuda, centipede, and zoysia in Georgia, UGA Extension gives a normal mowing range of 1–2 inches, advises letting the grass enter dormancy naturally, and recommends raising the blade to 2 inches if the lawn had been kept lower. That range is Georgia-specific, not a universal setting.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: Tackle your yard with 3,300 RPM of power and a 14-inch cutting width
- ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: No gas or batteries needed to power the mower
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR CUT: Effortlessly change the height of your cut with 5 cutting positions varying between 1.4-inches and 3-inches
- MAX MANEUVERABILITY: Features 7.75-inch rear wheels for easy navigation around the lawn
- 7-GALLON COLLECTION BAG: Neatly stores grass clippings for a tidier lawn
How short should you cut the lawn for winter?
Don’t make a drastic height change or cut the lawn very short just because winter is coming. Keep the final cut within a locally recommended range for your grass. Extension advice differs modestly on whether to adjust the final height: Iowa State recommends a late-season reduction, while Maryland suggests a final cut about half an inch higher than usual and Arkansas advises against a special height change. These are regional recommendations, not one rule that applies everywhere.
Published height guidance by region
| Guidance | Grass or situation | Published height |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa State Extension, mid- to late September | Usual setting reduced for late-season mowing | Lower from 3.0–3.5 inches to 2.5–3 inches |
| UGA Extension, Georgia | Bermuda, centipede, and zoysia; normal mowing range | 1–2 inches; raise to 2 inches if previously kept lower |
| University of Maryland Extension | Tall fescue | 3–4 inches |
| University of Maryland Extension | Kentucky bluegrass | 2.5–3.5 inches |
| University of Maryland Extension | Zoysia | 1.5–2.5 inches |
| University of Maryland Extension | Bermudagrass | 1–1.5 inches |
Maryland’s listed ranges are local species guidance; the state’s established-lawn guide says the final cut before dormancy may be about half an inch higher than usual. Confirm the recommendation for your location and grass before changing the mower setting.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- Powerful Electric Lawn Mowers - Experience the freedom of cordless mowing with this 60V battery powered lawn mower, delivering up to 40 minutes of runtime on a fully charged 4.0Ah battery. Recharge quickly with a full charge time of just 90 minutes.
- Advanced Brushless Motor - The high-efficiency brushless motor provides superior power and extends the mower’s longevity. It ensures consistent performance, allowing you to tackle even the toughest mowing tasks with ease and reliability.
- Versatile Cutting Options- 6-position height adjustment ranges from 1.5" to 3.15". The 2-in-1 feature enhances versatility, allowing for both mulching and rear bagging, adapting to your lawn care needs in various environments.
- Lightweight and Durable Design- The 17" rust-resistant deck is designed for easy maneuverability and long-lasting use. Its lightweight construction ensures effortless handling, making it perfect for navigating tight spaces and uneven terrain.
- 4-Year Warranty – Backed by Greenworks 4-year limited tool and battery warranty for dependable long-term ownership. Works with 75+ Greenworks 60V tools(trimmers, blowers, chainsaws...)—expand your cordless toolkit.
How to handle grass that is too tall
Follow the one-third rule: remove no more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing. If the lawn has grown beyond its suitable height, lower it gradually over multiple cuts instead of scalping it in one session. Iowa State and Maryland Extension both include this limit in their mowing guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check the mower blade before the last cut
Inspect the blade and keep it sharp. Minnesota Extension notes that a dull blade leaves jagged cuts; a sharp blade helps make a cleaner cut. Sharpening equipment is optional—there is no need to buy a new mower or blade simply to make the final mow.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Easy Start Engine: The144cc 4-stroke OHV engine delivers a reliable balance of high performance and ease. Equipped with auto choke for easy start, and primer structure for better starting.
- Side Discharge: Efficiently discharges grass clippings to keep you mowing through tall, thick grass with ease.
- 18-inch Steel Deck: The durable steel deck is built for long-lasting use, and the specialized blade delivers a clean, even cut for a well-groomed lawn.
- 5-Position Height Adjustment: Quickly adjust the cutting height from 1.5" to 3.9" for a clean cut on different grass types and conditions.
- Easy Maneuverability: 8" rear and 7" front wheels provide smooth handling for easy maneuvering around trees, flower beds, and tight corners.
Rank #4
- WIDER MORE EVEN CUTTING: The 17-inch cutting deck and 6 height settings from 1 to 3 inches (25–75 mm) help this cordless lawn mower deliver a cleaner, more even finish across small and medium lawns.
- DUAL BATTERY EXTENDED RUNTIME: Powered by two 20V 4.0Ah batteries, this walk behind lawn mower runs for up to 40 minutes and covers up to 5,380 sq. ft. (500 m²) per charge under test conditions.
- LARGE CAPACITY GRASS COLLECTION: The 50L collection bag holds more clippings between emptying cycles, while regular cleaning around the inlet and blade area helps this lawn mower maintain reliable grass collection.
- HIGH OUTPUT BRUSHLESS POWER: The 3000 RPM brushless motor delivers up to 1200W max output, helping this electric battery powered lawn mower maintain steady blade speed through routine residential grass.
- SIMPLE START PORTABLE DESIGN: One-button activation and a pull-bar start make operation straightforward, while the 14 kg lightweight body makes this cordless lawn mower easier to carry, position, and store.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
