Melbourne weather is unpredictable, and your lawn feels it more than anything else. One week it’s growing quickly after rain, and the next it looks dry and patchy because of heat and wind. In Melbourne West especially, lawns deal with sudden temperature shifts, heavy showers, dry spells and strong breezes, all of which affect how the grass grows and how it should be mowed.

The key to a healthy lawn isn’t mowing every weekend like clockwork. It’s mowing at the right time, at the right height, and adjusting your routine to suit the season. If you mow smart, your grass stays thicker, greener and easier to maintain all year round.

Why Melbourne Weather Makes Lawn Care Different

Melbourne doesn’t give lawns a steady routine. Grass grows fast after rainfall and slows down dramatically during colder weeks. Some areas get full sun all day, while others stay shaded and damp. That means mowing the same way every week can actually stress the lawn and make it look worse over time.

When the weather changes, lawns react quickly. If you understand those changes and mow based on growth rather than habit, your lawn will look more consistent and stay healthier through every season.

Mow Based on Growth, Not the Calendar

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is leaving the lawn too long and then mowing it heavily in one go. When grass gets too tall, it becomes harder to cut properly and the lawn looks uneven after mowing. It can also leave clumps behind, which blocks sunlight and weakens the grass underneath.

In spring, lawns often grow quickly and need more frequent mowing. In summer, the growth depends on how hot it is and whether the lawn is being watered. Autumn slows down, and winter may only need an occasional trim. In simple terms, your lawn should be mowed when it starts to look untidy and uneven, not simply because it’s “mowing day”.

Don’t Cut the Lawn Too Short (Especially in Summer)

Cutting the lawn very short might seem like a good idea because it looks neat for a few days, but in Melbourne heat it usually creates problems. Short grass doesn’t shade the soil, so moisture evaporates faster. That leads to dry patches, weak growth and weed spread.

In warmer months, mowing a bit higher helps the lawn hold moisture and stay greener. It also protects the roots from heat stress and allows the grass to recover faster after mowing. If you want a thicker lawn long-term, avoid scalping it during summer.

The One Rule That Makes the Biggest Difference

If you only follow one lawn mowing rule, make it this: don’t remove too much grass in one mow. Cutting too much at once shocks the grass and slows down healthy growth. It also creates that “scalped” look where the lawn turns pale or patchy and struggles to bounce back.

A good mowing routine is gentle and consistent. If your lawn is overgrown, it’s better to cut it higher first, then mow again a few days later at the right height. This is especially important after heavy rain, when growth can jump quickly and make the lawn hard to manage.

Choose the Right Time of Day to Mow

Mowing at the wrong time can harm the lawn, even if everything else is done right. In Melbourne, early mornings often leave the grass wet due to dew, and midday heat can stress the lawn and dry out freshly cut grass.

Late morning or late afternoon usually works best. At these times, the grass is dry enough to mow cleanly, and the temperature isn’t harsh. This helps prevent clumping, uneven cuts and brown edges. It also keeps the lawn looking better for longer.

Need Help Keeping Your Lawn Under Control in Melbourne West?

If your lawn is growing faster than you can keep up with, or mowing is eating into your weekends, it may be time to bring in a professional. Regular mowing and edging makes a big difference, especially in spring and summer when lawns grow quickly.

WestLink Lawn Care provides professional lawn mowing services in Melbourne West, including edging, garden tidy-ups and ride-on mowing for larger blocks. If you’d like a quote, we’re happy to help.