05/27/2026
Is it too hot to cut your lawn?
In Winnipeg-type heat wave conditions — especially when temperatures are reaching 35°C — cool-season grasses (the kinds most lawns here are made of, like Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass) usually slow down or temporarily stop active growth. Instead of putting energy into growing taller, the grass shifts into survival mode.
So yes, grass may still grow a bit, but much more slowly.
During extreme heat:
* Grass blades lose moisture rapidly
* Roots become stressed
* Freshly cut grass has less leaf surface to protect and cool itself
* Short grass heats up faster and can scorch
Because of that, mowing during a heat wave can stress the lawn further if not done carefully.
Best practices during a heat wave:
* Raise mower height higher than usual
Aim for about 3–4 inches. Taller grass shades the soil and keeps roots cooler.
* Never remove more than 1/3 of the blade at once
Cutting too short in heat can cause browning and dormancy.
* Avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day
Early morning is best. Evening is second best if the grass is dry.
* Delay mowing if growth has nearly stopped
If the lawn isn’t actively growing, there may be little benefit to mowing.
* Leave clippings if they are not excessive
They help retain moisture and return nutrients.
* Water deeply but not constantly
A deep soaking early morning is much better than light daily watering. Most lawns need roughly 1–1.5 inches/week total during intense heat.
If the lawn is already stressed:
Signs include bluish-gray colour, footprints remaining visible, curling blades, or crunchy texture. In that case, it’s often better to postpone mowing until temperatures moderate.
For lawn-care businesses like yours, many professionals will:
* mow slightly less frequently during heat waves,
* increase deck height,
* and avoid aggressive trimming/scalping.
A lawn cut too short before several 35°C days can take weeks to recover.
