When Should You Start Mowing Your Lawn in Illinois? (Spring Lawn Guide for 2026)
As winter fades here in New Lenox, Orland Park, and surrounding Chicagoland communities, many homeowners start asking the same question: “is it time to mow yet?”
After months of snow and freezing temperatures, that first warm stretch makes it tempting to pull the mower out immediately. But when it comes to spring lawn care in Illinois, timing is everything.
When Does Grass Start Growing in Illinois?
In Northern Illinois, most lawns are made up of cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, and Tall Fescue.
These grasses begin actively growing when soil temperatures consistently reach around 50–55°F.
In most years, that happens between late March and mid-April. However, every spring is different. A warm early season can speed things up, while lingering cold can delay growth.
Rather than watching the calendar, watch your lawn.
Signs It’s Time for the First Mow
Your grass should be about 3 to 4 inches tall before you consider that first cut. A healthy rule to follow is the one-third rule — never remove more than one-third of the blade height in a single mowing.
Also make sure the ground is firm and dry. Early spring soil is often saturated from snowmelt and rain. Mowing too soon can create ruts, compact the soil, and stress root systems that are just beginning to develop.
For most properties in our area of Chicago suburbs, the first mow typically falls between April 5th and April 20th.
What Happens If You Mow Too Early?
Starting too soon can:
Stress dormant or fragile grass
Tear grass blades instead of cutting cleanly
Increase risk of disease
Lead to soil compaction
A little patience in early spring often leads to a thicker, healthier lawn heading into summer.
Don’t Overlook Fertilization and Aeration
Spring mowing is only one part of the equation. Early-season fertilization helps strengthen root development and promote even growth as the lawn wakes up. We also like to apply an early spring pre-emergent weed control to help prevent those pesky annual weeds before they sprout.
Spring is also an excellent time for core aeration, especially in our clay-heavy Midwest soils. Aeration relieves compaction and allows water, nutrients, and oxygen to move deeper into the root zone — resulting in stronger, more resilient turf.
And while many homeowners don’t think about it yet, grub prevention should be planned early in the season. Preventative treatments applied at the proper time can help avoid root damage and brown patches later in the summer.
A Smarter Start to the Season
At Principle Lighting Inc., our Turf Care Division works with homeowners throughout New Lenox, Orland Park, Frankfort, Mokena, and surrounding areas to build customized lawn programs tailored to local conditions.
As a locally owned company, we take pride in helping our communities maintain landscapes that reflect the care homeowners put into their properties. Our 6-Step Turf Care Program, spring aeration services, and weekly lawn maintenance plans are designed for those who want consistent, professional results — not guesswork.
To help you start the season strong, we’re currently offering a free grub preventative treatment when you enroll in our 6-Step Turf Care Program along with spring aeration.
If you’re unsure whether it’s time for your first mow or want a professional evaluation before growth kicks into full gear, our team would be happy to take a look. A healthy lawn doesn’t happen by accident — it begins with the right plan at the right time.
Principle Lighting Inc. (home of The Grounds Guys - New Lenox & Orland Park, Holiday Décor and Nite Time Décor), provides professional lawn maintenance and turf care services throughout Chicagoland. Based in New Lenox, we regularly serve residential homes and commercial properties in Frankfort, Manhattan, Mokena, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Naperville, Lemont, Lockport, Palos Heights, and surrounding communities. We’re always open to traveling beyond our core service area for the right project.
