Ireland’s climate means grass grows for most of the year, but it does not grow evenly. The difference between the growing season’s peak and a wet January is significant, and cutting at the wrong frequency in either direction causes problems. Cut too infrequently and you get scalping stress when you do eventually cut. Cut through winter when the grass is not growing and you damage a wet, soft surface.
This guide gives you a practical schedule based on what actually happens in Irish lawns over the course of the year.
The Core Rule: Cut Little and Often
Whatever season you are in, the principle is the same. Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single cut. If your lawn has got ahead of you and you need to take it down significantly, do it in stages over two or three cuts rather than going straight to the finished height in one pass. Removing too much at once stresses the grass, weakens the root system, and leaves the lawn looking yellow or patchy for days afterwards.
Spring: February to April
Grass starts growing again as soil temperatures rise above 5 to 6 degrees Celsius, which in County Louth typically happens from late February or early March depending on the year.
February: Only cut if the grass is actively growing and the ground is firm enough to take the mower without leaving wheel ruts. Many years, February is still too wet or cold. Set the mower height high (around 50 to 60mm) for the first cut of the year.
March: Growth accelerates. Most lawns need at least one cut, sometimes two. The ground often remains soft after winter so watch for compaction from the mower. Gradually lower the cutting height as the season gets underway.
April: Weekly or near-weekly cutting becomes necessary as spring growth hits its stride. April is typically the month when Irish lawns move from occasional to regular maintenance.
Summer: May to September
This is the main cutting season. Grass grows fastest from May through to August in most years.
May and June: Weekly cutting is standard for a maintained lawn. In a warm, wet year growth may require cutting every five or six days to keep pace. Set your cutting height at around 40mm for a neat finish.
July and August: Still weekly in most years. In a dry summer, growth slows and you may get away with cutting every ten to fourteen days. Do not lower the cutting height during a dry spell. Longer grass retains moisture better and is more resilient in heat.
September: Growth begins to slow. Weekly cutting is still usually needed in early September. By the end of the month, you can often move to fortnightly.
Autumn: October and November
Growth slows noticeably from October onwards.
October: Fortnightly is usually sufficient. Raise the cutting height slightly as you head into autumn. The last thing you want is a very short lawn going into a wet winter, as short grass is more vulnerable to moss and compaction.
November: One or two cuts maximum, if the grass is still growing and the ground is firm. Avoid cutting on frost-affected or waterlogged ground.
Winter: December to January
The grass is largely dormant. Cutting in winter does more harm than good on most Irish lawns. The ground is soft, wheel marks compact the soil, and the grass is not actively growing so it cannot recover quickly from any damage. The main exception is during a dry spell in a mild winter, when a single tidy-up cut at a high setting can be worthwhile before spring arrives.
Summary: Cutting Frequency by Month
| Month | Typical frequency | Cutting height |
|---|---|---|
| January | None | N/A |
| February | None or once | High (55-60mm) |
| March | 1-2 times | High then medium |
| April | Weekly | 40-50mm |
| May | Weekly | 40mm |
| June | Weekly | 40mm |
| July | Weekly or 10-day | 40-45mm |
| August | Weekly or 10-day | 40-45mm |
| September | Weekly to fortnightly | 45-50mm |
| October | Fortnightly | 50mm |
| November | Once or twice | 50mm |
| December | None or once | High if needed |
When Cutting Frequency is Not the Problem
If your lawn is not looking as good as expected despite being cut regularly, frequency is probably not the issue. Common underlying problems in County Louth lawns include:
- Compaction from foot traffic or clay-heavy soil: fix with annual hollow-tine aeration
- Moss from poor drainage or shade: address the drainage or consider overseeding with a shade-tolerant mix
- Thatch buildup: annual scarifying removes dead material and allows water and nutrients to penetrate
- Poor soil nutrition: a seasonal fertiliser programme makes a significant difference to colour and density
For a regular grass cutting service in Dundalk or anywhere across County Louth, see our grass cutting and lawn care page. If your lawn needs more intensive work before regular maintenance begins, read our lawn scarifying guide.
