Why you Shouldn't Mow in Frozen Conditions

When your lawn is covered in frost, mowing might seem harmless — but it can actually cause serious damage to your grass. The key difference lies in how grass reacts to being cut cleanly versus snapped while frozen.

When It’s Warm: Sharp Blades Help Your Lawn

During the growing season, mowing with sharp blades creates clean, even cuts on each grass blade. These precise cuts heal quickly and reduce the risk of disease. Healthy, flexible grass can easily recover, leading to a thicker, greener lawn.

When It’s Cold: Frozen Grass Breaks, Not Cuts

In freezing temperatures, grass blades lose their flexibility. Instead of bending and cutting cleanly, they shatter when the mower passes over them. This “break” leaves rough, torn edges that can’t heal properly. Damaged blades turn brown, making the lawn look patchy and weak, and those open wounds invite fungus and disease to take hold.

The Bottom Line

Heavy Traffic on frozen turf can cause real issues with your lawn. If you need to get your final cut in for the season, look at the forecast and choose a warmer day in the near future when the sun will be out or use a string trimmer to hit any unsightly high spots, but ensure if you're putting your mower on the turf, you're getting a crisp "cut", not "crunch."