How Often Should You Mow Your Lawn in Thunder Bay?

This is one of the most common questions Thunder Bay homeowners ask: how often should I mow my lawn? The answer is not the same here as it is in southern Ontario or the GTA.

Thunder Bay has a shorter growing season, less predictable weather, and different grass types. This guide breaks down mowing by month, explains a simple rule to follow, and helps you decide between weekly and bi-weekly mowing.

Thunder Bay's Growing Season: What to Expect Month by Month

Your grass grows actively from about mid-May through early October. That is roughly five months, compared to seven or more in southern Ontario. Here is what to expect each month:

May (Mid to Late)

Grass starts growing once the soil temperature stays above 10 degrees Celsius. Your first mow will usually be in mid to late May. Growth is slow as the lawn wakes up from winter, so you probably only need to mow once during this time.

June

This is the fastest growth month. Longer days and warmer weather make the grass grow quickly, especially when it rains. Most Thunder Bay lawns need to be mowed every week in June. Some fast-growing lawns may need a cut every five or six days.

July and August

How fast your grass grows depends on the heat and rain. In a normal summer, weekly mowing is still best. During hot, dry stretches, growth slows down and you might only need to mow every 10 to 14 days. When it rains a lot, you will be back to weekly.

September

Growth picks up again as the weather cools down and there is more moisture. This is an important mowing time. Your lawn is storing energy for winter, and steady mowing helps it get ready. Bi-weekly mowing usually works well in September.

October

One last mow before the season ends. Cut your lawn a bit shorter than usual for this final cut, about 2.5 inches. This helps prevent snow mould from forming over winter.

Weekly vs. Bi-Weekly Mowing: Which Is Right for You?

This is the choice most homeowners think about. It comes down to a few things:

•       Grass type and growth speed. Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass are the most common types in Thunder Bay. They grow fast in peak season and usually do best with weekly mowing.

•       Lawn size. Bigger yards or yards with lots of landscaping can get overgrown fast. Weekly mowing keeps things under control.

•       How you want it to look. If you want that clean, well-kept look, weekly is the way to go. Bi-weekly works if you are okay with a more relaxed look between mows.

•       Weather. A rainy week in June can cause so much growth that bi-weekly mowing means cutting off too much at once. That stresses the grass.

For most Thunder Bay lawns, the best plan is weekly mowing during peak growth (June through mid-August) and bi-weekly during the slower months (late May, September, and early October). Check out our lawn care programs to find the right fit.

The One-Third Rule and Why It Matters

The one-third rule is the most important mowing tip, and it is simple: never cut more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mow.

If your lawn is 4.5 inches tall, cut it down to 3 inches. No lower. Cutting too much at once shocks the grass, weakens the roots, and makes your lawn more open to weeds, disease, and dry spells.

This rule is also why mowing on a schedule matters so much. If you wait too long between mows, the grass gets so tall that you have to break the one-third rule to bring it back to the right height. Either you end up cutting too much, or you leave it too long. Neither is good for your lawn.

How Weather Affects Your Mowing Schedule

Thunder Bay's weather can change fast, and your mowing schedule needs to change with it:

•       Rainy weeks. Rain makes the grass grow faster. You may need to mow more often, but try not to mow wet grass. It clumps up, clogs your mower, and leaves an uneven cut.

•       Heat waves. When it is hot and dry for a long stretch, grass growth slows down. Raise your mowing height to 3.5 or 4 inches. This helps the lawn hold on to moisture.

•       Cool, cloudy days. These are great growing conditions. Expect steady, even growth that is easy to keep up with.

The "Cut It Short So I Don't Have to Mow" Myth

A lot of people think that if they cut the grass really short, they will not have to mow as often. It sounds like it makes sense, but it actually hurts your lawn.

Cutting too short stresses the grass, opens up the soil to sunlight (which helps weed seeds grow), and forces the grass to spend energy regrowing blades instead of building strong roots.

A lawn that is mowed at the right height, about 3 inches for most Thunder Bay grass types, will actually be thicker, healthier, and better at fighting off weeds.

Why Hire a Professional Mowing Service?

Keeping the right mowing schedule takes consistency. That is where a professional mowing service makes the biggest difference. A pro team shows up on a set schedule, adjusts the cutting height based on conditions, and keeps your lawn looking great week after week.

With Thunder Bay's short growing season, every missed week matters more than it would somewhere else. Professional mowing makes sure your lawn gets the care it needs during the months that count most.

Let Duchesne's Services Handle Your Mowing

Tired of keeping up with your mowing schedule? Duchesne's Services offers both weekly and bi-weekly mowing packages made for Thunder Bay's growing season. We adjust our schedule based on weather and grass conditions, so your lawn always gets the right cut at the right time.

With a 5-star rating, over 90 reviews, and our 100% service guarantee, your lawn is in good hands. We are the Platinum winner in Community Votes Thunder Bay for Lawn Care and Maintenance. Learn more about our team.

Book your mowing package today. Call (807) 632-4000 for a free quote, or visit duchesneservices.com.