The grass will not grow fast in the fall or winter (even in areas without snowfall). For this reason, a normal height of 3.5 cm may be sufficient. In Michigan, grass typically goes dormant during the winter months due to cold temperatures and reduced sunlight. During dormancy, grass essentially stops growing, and its color may turn brown or straw-like. There’s no specific height that grass should be during the winter because it doesn’t actively grow. Instead, the goal is to prepare your lawn for winter dormancy and ensure it’s in good condition to recover in the spring.

The amount you need to mow your lawn in winter differs greatly from my recommendations for the frequency of mowing in Spring or Summer. For the most part, if you live in a climate with colder winters, you don’t need to worry about mowing your lawn. Here are some winter lawn care tips for Michigan:

1. Late Fall Mowing: In late fall, before the onset of winter, give your lawn one final mow. Lower the mower height slightly to around 2 to 2.5 inches. This helps prevent the grass from matting down under snow and reduces the risk of snow mold.
2. Remove Debris: Clear your lawn of any leaves, twigs, or other debris before winter. A layer of debris can trap moisture and promote disease.
3. Avoid Heavy Traffic: Try to minimize foot traffic and heavy equipment on your lawn during the winter, especially when it’s covered with snow or frozen. This reduces the risk of compaction and damage.
4. Snow Removal: If you receive heavy snowfall, use a snow blower or a snow shovel to clear snow from walkways and driveways. Avoid piling large amounts of snow on the lawn, as this can smother the grass.
5. Monitor for Snow Mold: In early spring, check your lawn for signs of snow mold, a fungal disease that can affect grass under snow cover. Rake lightly to improve air circulation if you notice signs of this disease.
6. Spring Recovery: Once the temperatures start to rise in spring, and the snow melts, your grass should naturally start to green up and grow again. You can then resume your regular lawn care routine, including mowing and fertilization.

Remember that the specific grass types in your lawn may influence how they respond to winter conditions. Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass and fescue, are common in Michigan and tend to handle winter dormancy well. Proper lawn care throughout the growing season will help your grass stay healthy and recover more quickly when spring arrives.

When is the best time to mow the lawn in Michigan?

The best time to mow your lawn in Michigan depends on the season and the specific grass type you have in your lawn. In Michigan, cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, and perennial ryegrass are commonly used. Here are some guidelines for when to mow your lawn in Michigan:

1. Spring: As the weather warms up in spring and your grass starts to grow again, you can begin mowing. Typically, you can start mowing in late March to early April, depending on the weather and the rate of grass growth. Make sure the grass is at least 3 to 4 inches tall before the first mow of the season.
2. Early to Mid-Summer: During the peak growing season in Michigan, which is usually from late May through June and into early July, you may need to mow your lawn more frequently. Aim to mow when the grass reaches a height of about 3 to 4 inches, and try to avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height at a time. This may mean mowing every 1 to 2 weeks.
3. Late Summer: As summer progresses, you can gradually raise the mowing height to provide some shade to the soil and help the grass retain moisture. Continue mowing regularly as needed, but avoid cutting the grass too short during hot and dry periods to prevent stress on the lawn.
4. Early Fall: In early fall, you can start to lower the mowing height again as grass growth picks up. Aim for a height of about 2.5 to 3 inches. Continue mowing as necessary to maintain this height.
5. Late Fall: As temperatures drop and grass growth slows down in late fall, you can gradually reduce the frequency of mowing. Continue to keep the grass at a height of around 2.5 to 3 inches until the grass goes dormant for the winter.

Remember that the ideal mowing height can vary slightly depending on your specific grass type, so it’s a good idea to check the recommended mowing height for your particular variety of grass. Additionally, always ensure that your mower blades are sharp to achieve clean cuts, and avoid mowing when the grass is wet to prevent disease and clumping.

What are the average lawn cutting prices in Michigan?

The average lawn cutting prices in Michigan can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size of your lawn, the frequency of service, the level of service provided, and the specific location within Michigan. Additionally, prices may fluctuate over time due to factors such as inflation, fuel costs, and the local competitive landscape.

As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, here are some approximate price ranges you might expect for lawn cutting services in Michigan:

1. Basic Lawn Mowing: For a standard-sized residential lawn (about 5,000 square feet), basic lawn mowing services might range from $20 to $40 per visit. This typically includes mowing, trimming, and blowing off clippings.
2. Larger Lawns: For larger lawns, the price will increase accordingly. A lawn of 10,000 square feet or more might cost $40 to $80 or more per visit.
3. Frequency: The frequency of service can also affect the price. Weekly service is typically less expensive per visit than bi-weekly or one-time service.
4. Additional Services: If you require additional services such as edging, mulching, fertilization, or weed control, these will come at an extra cost.
5. Geographic Location: Prices can vary from city to city and region to region within Michigan. Urban areas with higher living costs may have higher lawn care prices.
6. Local Competition: The number of lawn care providers in your area can also impact pricing. In areas with more competition, prices may be more competitive.

Please note that these are general price ranges, and the actual cost for your lawn care needs may be different. To get an accurate estimate for your specific lawn, it’s best to contact local lawn care professionals or companies in your area and request quotes. They can assess your lawn’s size and condition and provide you with a customized price based on your requirements. Additionally, prices may have changed since my last update, so it’s essential to obtain current quotes from local providers.

When can I fertilize my lawn in Michigan?

When should I fall fertilize my lawn in Michigan? What kind of fertilizer for grass in Michigan? Can I fertilize my lawn in November in Michigan? Fertilizing your lawn in Michigan should be timed to coincide with the specific growth periods of cool-season grasses, which are commonly used in the state. The primary times to fertilize your lawn in Michigan are in the early spring and late fall. What is the best fertilizer for Michigan grass? >> Here’s a more detailed schedule:

1. Early Spring (Late March to Early April):
   • The first application of fertilizer should be applied in early spring as the grass begins to come out of its winter dormancy. This application provides essential nutrients for the grass to green up and start growing vigorously.
   • Choose a balanced, slow-release fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content to promote early spring growth.
   • Be cautious not to fertilize too early if your lawn is still covered with snow or is frozen.
2. Late Spring (Late May to Early June):
   • A second application of fertilizer is typically applied in late spring to help maintain healthy growth and color.
   • Use a balanced fertilizer with a slower release formula to provide nutrients throughout the growing season.
3. Early Fall (Late August to Early September):
   • Fall is one of the most critical times for fertilizing your Michigan lawn. The late summer to early fall application helps the grass recover from the stresses of summer, encourages root growth, and prepares it for winter.
   • Use a fertilizer with a balanced nutrient ratio but lower nitrogen content compared to spring fertilizers. This promotes root development and overall plant health.
4. Late Fall (October to Early November):
   • The final fertilizer application of the year should be in late fall. This application helps the grass store nutrients for the winter and ensures a healthy start in the following spring.
   • Choose a winterizer or late-fall fertilizer with a higher potassium content to strengthen the grass against winter stress.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific fertilizer product you are using, as application rates and timing can vary based on the brand and formulation. Additionally, it’s essential not to over-fertilize, as excessive fertilizer can harm the environment and your lawn. Using a slow-release fertilizer and following recommended rates will help ensure the proper application of nutrients to your lawn in Michigan. When should I fertilize my lawn in Michigan in the fall? >>