Short answer: in the GTA, keep mowing until the grass stops growing — usually sometime in late October into November, once temperatures stay consistently cold. The rule of thumb is to mow while it is still growing, then give it a slightly shorter final cut of around 5 centimetres (about 2 inches) before winter. Getting the last cut right sets your lawn up to survive the cold and green up well in spring. Here is how to time it.
It is one of those small end-of-season jobs that quietly makes a difference in April.
Mow until the grass stops growing
Grass keeps growing until soil temperatures drop consistently, which in the GTA usually means growth tapers off through October and stops in November. Keep mowing on your normal schedule as long as it is actively growing — stopping too early leaves it long and floppy going into winter, which invites problems.
Get the final cut height right
For the last cut of the season, drop the height slightly to around 5 centimetres (about 2 inches):
- Too long into winter and the blades mat down under snow, trapping moisture and inviting snow mould.
- Too short and you stress the crown and expose it to cold. Scalping is worse than leaving it a touch long.
- Around 5 cm is the sweet spot — short enough not to mat, long enough to protect the crown.
Lower the mower gradually over the last couple of cuts rather than scalping it all at once.
The last cut is part of a bigger routine
A good final mow works alongside the rest of your fall lawn prep — the last feed, clearing leaves, and any aeration or overseeding. The full sequence is in our guide to preparing your lawn for winter in Ontario. Fall is also prime time for two jobs that pair with the season's end: aeration to relieve compaction, and overseeding to thicken thin spots before winter.
Don't forget the leaves
Keep leaves off the lawn as you make those last cuts — a thick leaf mat under snow smothers the grass just like leaving it too long does. Many people do a final mow and leaf cleanup in the same visit so the lawn goes into winter clean and at the right height.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I stop mowing in the GTA?
When the grass stops actively growing, which is usually sometime in November once it stays cold. Keep mowing on your normal schedule until then.
How short should the last cut be?
Around 5 centimetres, or about 2 inches — slightly shorter than usual, but not scalped. Lower the height gradually over the final couple of cuts.
What happens if I leave the grass long over winter?
Long grass mats down under snow, trapping moisture and encouraging snow mould and pests, which can leave dead patches in spring.
Can I mow if there is frost on the lawn?
Avoid mowing frosted or frozen grass — the blades are brittle and you can damage the crowns. Wait until the frost lifts.
Should I do anything else with the final cut?
Pair it with clearing leaves and your last feed, and consider fall aeration and overseeding beforehand so the lawn goes into winter healthy.
Want your lawn cut, cleared, and set for winter without the last-minute scramble? Home Bros handles end-of-season lawn care across the GTA and treats every yard like our own. You can book a lawn visit and get a free quote.