First Mow of the Season: What We Do, What We Don’t

Shoreline crew mowing lawn during spring maintenance in Norwalk, Ohio

Last weekend it was a comfortable 70°F. Tomorrow? The forecast calls for a chill in the 40s—then back up to 70 the following day. Northern Ohio spring is unpredictable, like flipping a coin while holding a leaf blower. But no matter the weather, next week marks the start of our first mow routes of the season. We thought it was a great time to share what we do (and what we don’t) on that first cut.

What We Do on the First Mow

  • Keep the blades high. We’re not here to give your lawn a military buzz cut. The first cut is a gentle clean-up, waking the lawn up and setting the tone for the season. Cutting too short too soon only stresses out the grass.
  • Walk it first. Before firing up the mower, we take a stroll through the yard to clear out sticks, trash, dog toys, and those mystery objects left behind by winter.
  • Watch the moisture. If it rained last night and your lawn is still soaked, we wait. Mowing wet grass means clumps, ruts, and a frustrated homeowner.
  • Pay attention to the grass. Some lawns wake up early while others are still recovering from winter. We meet each yard where it’s at, not forcing a cut simply because the calendar says spring.

What We Don’t Do

  • We don’t rush it. Just because the date has flipped doesn’t mean every lawn is ready. We’re watching soil temperature, grass color, and growth patterns—not just a calendar.
  • We don’t overcut. A shaggy lawn might look inviting to chop down, but cutting too short can scalp the crown and affect root development. Patience pays off.
  • We don’t treat every yard the same. A shaded lawn in Bay Village behaves differently than a sunny yard in Norwalk. We adjust our approach accordingly.

It’s Go Time—Kind Of

We’re gearing up for the season, but we’re not sprinting out the gate. Spring in Ohio teaches you to stay humble. One day you’re in short sleeves; the next, you’re scraping frost off your windshield. We’ll be out next week, checking yards, watching the skies, and easing into the season with sharp blades and gentle care.

If you’re in Norwalk, Bay Village, or anywhere nearby and wondering when to start mowing—don’t stress. We’ve got your back. And if you’d rather leave the mowing to us, get in touch.