You should wait about 24 to 48 hours after fertilizing before mowing your lawn to allow the fertilizer to be absorbed properly and avoid removing it with the clippings. This applies especially to granular fertilizers, which need time to break down and be absorbed into the soil. Liquid fertilizers absorb faster, so you can usually mow once the grass is completely dry, which may take a few hours
. Additional tips for mowing after fertilizing include:
- Avoid mowing when the grass is wet to prevent uneven cutting and damage
- Ensure mower blades are sharp to cut cleanly and reduce lawn stress
- Do not cut more than one-third of the grass blade length in a single mowing to maintain lawn health
If you mow right before fertilizing, you may not need to mow again for about a week, giving the fertilizer time to work undisturbed
. In summary, waiting at least 24 to 48 hours after fertilizing before mowing is ideal for best lawn health and fertilizer effectiveness.