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I’m a gardener, mowing your lawn too early will wreak havoc & cause long term damage – here’s the exact date to start

IT MAY be tempting to get back into gardening ahead of spring, but according to experts there’s one job that you should be avoiding before March.

While your lawn might not be at its best during winter months, Chris Ware local gardening expert at Climbing Wild Gardeners, advises against reaching for the lawnmower just yet. 

Lawn mower cutting grass covered in autumn leaves.
Avoid mowing your lawn until the spring according to our gardening expert
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“Mowing your lawn when the grass is damp or wet can cause long-term damage to both your lawn and your equipment,” he explains. 

“Wet grass doesn’t cut cleanly; it tears, leaving the edges jagged. This makes the lawn more susceptible to diseases and pests.”

Ware also warns that the clippings from wet grass tend to clump together, smothering the healthy grass underneath. 

“What you’re left with is a patchy, uneven finish that can take months to recover,” he says.

It’s not just the grass that suffers—your mower does too. “Cutting wet grass puts unnecessary strain on your lawnmower, dulling the blades faster and overworking the motor. 

“Waiting until the grass is dry helps maintain both the lawn’s health and your gardening equipment.”

While mowing is off the table, Ware suggests other ways to care for your lawn during the winter months. 

“Aerating your lawn is a simple yet effective way to keep it healthy,” he says. “It improves drainage, reduces compaction, and ensures the grass gets the air it needs to recover and grow stronger come spring.”

Preparing your lawnmower now will also set you up for success. “Winter is the perfect time to check the blades and ensure everything is in working order,” Ware advises. 

“A sharp blade will make clean cuts, helping the lawn heal faster and reducing the risk of diseases.”


By avoiding winter mowing and focusing on essential maintenance, Ware says you’ll give your lawn the best chance to thrive.

“Patience and a little preparation go a long way in ensuring a lush, green garden once the warmer weather returns.”

Gardening mistakes that could get you fined

Gardening experts over at Toolstation have revealed the garden laws you need to be aware of not breaking.

While some of these laws could land you with a fine of up to £20,000 in extreme cases, a friendly chat with your neighbours can usually resolve any issues.

Tree removal and pruning: If you have a tree in your garden you want to get rid of you better think twice and do your research.

The gardening experts reveal: “If one neighbour wishes to remove or heavily prune a tree that the other neighbour values, disputes can arise over the impact on the view, shade, or privacy. “

While it might cause a row, if it is in your property boundary it is ultimately your choice, unless it has a Tree Protection Order on it.

“But, some trees may be protected by a Tree Protection Order which makes it an offence to uproot, top or destroy them, the experts warn.

The maximum fine for breaking this law is £20,000, so make sure you double check if it does have a TPO.

You can find out by contacting your local council for a map that shows this information. Alternatively, you can ask to speak with your local tree officer.

Property boundaries and fences: One of the main causes of neighbours falling out is through arguing over property boundaries and fencing.

To avoid this situation, the gardening pros recommend checking the deeds of your property to determine the correct boundaries

“Most of the time, it’s easy to determine who owns the fence as the fence posts will usually be on the owners side,” they add.

“Additionally, the height of fences or hedges can cause disputes between neighbours if one party feels the height has exceeded the two metre guidance.

“Hedges and fences should be no more than two metres high, and you could be asked by the council to take them down if a neighbour complains about the height.

“Luckily, standard fence sizes are less than two metres tall so you shouldn’t have a problem.”

Garden structures and additions: A pergola is the perfect addition to a garden if you want somewhere to relax in the shade.

But if it obstructs your neighbour’s view or violates local building regulations it could cause a dispute, as can sheds and other garden structures.

“If you’re not sure, have a chat with your neighbours to let them know what you’re planning and, if there’s an issue, get in touch with your local council who can give you more guidance,” advise the gardening experts.

Overhanging branches and plants: “When branches, vines, or roots from one neighbour’s tree or plant extend into the neighbouring property, it can lead to disagreements over potential damage to structures, blocked views, or the burden of maintenance,” reveal the pros.

However, it’s important to note you can only trim overhanging branches up to the boundary of your property otherwise, it could be seen as trespassing.

You can climb into the tree to carry out the work if needed, but only on your property and make sure to stay on your side of the fence if you don’t have permission to enter your neighbours garden.

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