For homeowners in the Twin Cities, the first sight of green grass after a long Minnesota winter is a cause for celebration. But it also raises a common question: When exactly should I start mowing? Getting the timing right is crucial for the health of your lawn throughout the rest of the year. Rushing out too early can damage fragile roots, while waiting too long can lead to smothered grass and fungal issues.
In the southern Twin Cities metro, our "spring" is notoriously unpredictable. We might have a 60-degree day followed by a snowstorm the next week. This volatility makes calendar-based mowing a bad idea. Instead, you need to look at three key indicators: soil temperature, grass height, and overall ground condition.
1. The Soil Temperature Indicator
Grass growth is primarily driven by soil temperature, not just the air temperature. For cool season grasses common in Minnesota, growth really kicks in when soil temperatures consistently reach 50°F to 55°F.
You can check local soil temperature maps (provided by the University of Minnesota Extension and the Minnesota DNR) or use a simple kitchen thermometer in your yard. Insert it about 2-3 inches deep. Once you see a steady 50°F for several days, your grass is officially waking up from dormancy.
2. The "3-Inch Rule" for Height
Before you even think about starting your mower, let the grass reach a height of at least 3 inches. This allows the blades to develop enough surface area for photosynthesis, which strengthens the root system after a long winter of using up stored carbohydrates. The formula is compounding; more grass equals more opportunity for growth equals more grass.
In our area, this usually happens somewhere around late April to mid May, depending on how many "April Showers" we actually get. If you have low spots or shaded areas in your yard, these sections may reach the target height later than the sun-drenched parts of your lawn.
3. Ground Condition
Even if temperatures are right and grass is tall enough, do not mow if the soil is still saturated or soft from snowmelt. Heavy, wet ground in early spring makes lawns extra vulnerable. Your mower (and footsteps) can create deep ruts, compact the soil, and crush tender roots. Compacted soil blocks oxygen, water, and nutrients from entering the root zone, setting up weak growth all summer.
Quick test: Walk across your lawn, if you leave visible footprints that don't bounce back quickly, or the ground feels squishy/soft underfoot, wait a few more days. Aim for firm, dry soil where steps barely leave a mark.
Equipment Check: Start the Season Right
Before that first mow, make sure your equipment is ready. Dull mower blades do not cut grass; they tear it. Tearing leaves the grass with jagged edges that turn brown and invite disease. In Minnesota’s humid spring and summer weather, fungal diseases like leaf spot can take hold quickly on damaged grass.
- Sharpen your blades: Start every season with a fresh edge.
- Change the oil: Keep your engine running cool and efficient.
- Check your deck height: Ensure it's set correctly for our Minnesota grasses (3.0 to 3.5 inches is generally ideal for the first few mows).
Why Local Expertise Matters
Every neighborhood in the southern metro is different. A south-facing yard in Lakeville will green much faster than a shaded backyard in Burnsville. Understanding these micro-climates is what we do best at StrongYard Services.
If you're not sure if your lawn is ready, or if you simply want to enjoy your weekends without the hassle of maintenance, we're here to help. Our team provides professional mowing services tailored to the specific needs of Twin Cities homeowners.
Contact us today for a free quote at strongyardmn.com/contact. Let's make 2026 the year your lawn becomes the envy of the neighborhood!