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Many homeowners wonder whether their robotic mower should still be out when the grass isn’t growing. After all, these machines are built to make lawn care effortless — so shouldn’t they just keep running, no matter the season?
The truth is, winter is a very different environment for both your garden and your mower. Frost, waterlogged soil, and periods of dormancy mean your lawn doesn’t need the same level of attention as in spring or summer. At the same time, cold and damp conditions can put unnecessary strain on a robotic mower if it’s left outdoors or used incorrectly. Neglecting the right winter care can lead to poor lawn health, battery deterioration, or even costly repairs.
This guide explains exactly what to do, what to avoid, and the best practices to follow so that your robotic mower — and your lawn — come out of winter in peak condition. Whether you’re a first-time owner or a seasoned user, you’ll find clear, practical advice for storing, maintaining, and preparing your mower for the seasons ahead.
To know how to treat your robotic mower in winter, it helps to first understand what’s happening to your lawn at this time of year.
During the warmer months, grass grows steadily and benefits from regular mowing to stay healthy. By late autumn, as daylight hours shorten and temperatures fall, growth slows dramatically. Once winter sets in, most lawns in the UK enter a period of dormancy, meaning the grass blades stop actively growing and the root system conserves energy underground.
This dormant state is essential for lawn health, but it also makes the grass more vulnerable. Mowing when the ground is frozen or saturated can tear at delicate roots and cause long-term damage. Similarly, heavy foot traffic on frosty grass can leave it looking bruised and patchy come spring.
From a mower’s perspective, the challenges are just as significant. Constant dampness, mud, and icy conditions increase wear on wheels, blades, and electronics. While robotic mowers are designed to withstand outdoor use, prolonged exposure to extreme winter conditions can shorten their lifespan.
The key takeaway is that winter lawn care isn’t about frequent mowing — it’s about protecting both your grass and your mower until growing conditions return. By adjusting your routine, you ensure the mower lasts longer and the lawn recovers beautifully in spring.
Winter is the season to focus on protecting your robotic mower rather than pushing it to work. Following these smart practices will keep your mower in excellent condition and ensure it’s ready to go once spring arrives.
Before tucking your robotic mower away, give it a thorough clean. Grass clippings, mud, and debris can build up around the wheels, blades, and sensors. Left untreated, this material hardens and promotes mould, rust, or corrosion, which can affect performance. A quick brush down followed by a wipe with a damp cloth is usually enough. Avoid using high-pressure water, as this may damage the electronics.
Lithium-ion batteries are at the heart of every robotic mower, and proper care will extend their lifespan. Most manufacturers recommend charging the battery fully, or at least to a healthy level, before long-term storage. Always check your mower’s specific guidelines, but as a rule of thumb, don’t store it completely flat.
Your robotic mower may be weather-resistant, but that doesn’t mean it should live outdoors all winter. The ideal storage spot is a dry, frost-free garage, shed, or even inside the house. Avoid damp cellars or uninsulated spaces where moisture and freezing temperatures can cause problems.
The charging dock is another vital component that deserves attention. If you’re leaving it outdoors, fit it with a waterproof hood or protective cover to shield it from snow, ice, and heavy rain. Some owners prefer to bring the dock indoors entirely during winter, which is even better for long-term care.
Modern robotic mowers rely on smart software to navigate, cut efficiently, and stay secure. Manufacturers often release firmware updates throughout the year, even in the off-season. Connect your mower occasionally during winter to download the latest improvements so it’s fully up to date when you restart in spring.
Winter downtime is the perfect opportunity to check the blades. If they’re dull, nicked, or rusting, replace them now rather than waiting until the grass starts growing again. A fresh set of blades ensures the mower cuts cleanly in spring, keeping the lawn healthy.
Look over the wheels and the underside of the mower for cracks, worn tyres, or other damage. Winter is the best time to order replacement parts if needed, so you’re not caught off guard during the cutting season.
If your mower has a removable battery, take it out and store it separately indoors at room temperature. If the battery is built-in, follow the brand’s recommended storage process. Proper battery care makes a big difference to longevity and reduces the risk of spring start-up issues.
Some robotic mower owners like to book a professional service over winter. A technician can check sensors, update software, replace blades, and ensure everything is in working order. Think of it as a “health check” that keeps your mower running smoothly for years to come.
While most lawns rest during winter, there can be exceptions. If you experience a mild spell where the grass is still growing and the ground is firm and dry, a very light trim at a higher cutting height may help keep the lawn neat. Just avoid cutting during frost or after heavy rainfall.
Just as there are smart practices to follow in winter, there are also common mistakes that can shorten the lifespan of your robotic mower or harm your lawn. Avoid these pitfalls to save yourself hassle and expense when spring returns.
Even though most robotic mowers are designed to withstand the elements, they aren’t meant to sit unprotected through months of freezing and wet conditions. Prolonged exposure can lead to moisture getting into sensitive components, corrosion on metal parts, and cracking of plastics. Always bring the mower inside when it’s not in use over winter.
It can be tempting to keep the lawn neat, but mowing on frosty or waterlogged ground is one of the quickest ways to cause damage. Frozen blades of grass snap easily, leaving your lawn looking brown and stressed. Wet soil can also be churned up by the mower’s wheels, compacting the ground and damaging roots.
A lithium-ion battery that is allowed to fully discharge and sit empty for months may lose capacity permanently. This reduces run-time and can eventually mean replacing the battery altogether — an expensive fix. If your mower is stored for several months, check and top up the charge occasionally if the manual advises it.
Many owners assume standby mode is good enough, but leaving the mower switched on for months slowly drains the battery. Always power down completely before storage to preserve battery health.
Grass sap, soil, and damp debris aren’t just unsightly — over time they harden and can cause rust, clog moving parts, or interfere with sensors. A dirty mower stored over winter may even attract pests. A quick clean before putting it away prevents bigger problems later.
While indoor storage is best, avoid placing the mower in direct sunlight. High or fluctuating temperatures — for example, in a conservatory or near a radiator — can damage the lithium-ion battery and fade or warp plastic components. A cool, stable environment is ideal.
It’s easy to ignore notifications during the off-season, but skipping updates means missing out on bug fixes, improved navigation, and in some cases, enhanced security. Keeping your mower updated ensures it’s fully prepared for the new mowing season.
Throwing an old tarpaulin or plastic sheet over the mower may seem like a quick fix, but it often traps condensation inside, causing corrosion. If outdoor storage is unavoidable, invest in a proper robotic mower garage designed to provide ventilation and weather protection.
Your mower isn’t the only part that needs care. If the dock is left outside through snow and ice without protection, electrical contacts and cables can corrode. Either cover the dock with a weatherproof hood or bring it indoors for the season.
If you noticed problems in autumn — such as navigation errors, dull blades, or cracked parts — don’t put them off. Winter is the perfect downtime to sort repairs. Waiting until the grass starts growing again only leaves you scrambling to fix issues when you most need the mower.
Winter is the time to pause mowing and focus on looking after your robotic mower. Proper storage and maintenance not only protect the machine but also ensure it runs smoothly for years to come. Here are the key practices every owner should follow.
The best place to store a robotic mower over winter is somewhere dry, frost-free, and sheltered from extreme temperature changes. A garage, shed, or indoor utility room is ideal. Avoid damp basements or uninsulated outdoor spaces, as condensation and frost can cause corrosion and damage to sensitive electronics. If you must store it in an area where temperature control isn’t perfect, make sure the mower is covered and kept off the ground on a shelf or platform.
The lithium-ion battery is one of the most valuable parts of your robotic mower, and it needs a little extra care in the off-season. Most manufacturers recommend storing the battery with a healthy charge — either fully charged or around 50–80%, depending on the brand’s advice. If your mower has a removable battery, take it out and store it indoors at room temperature. For built-in batteries, simply store the mower in the right conditions and check the charge occasionally. Never let the battery run completely flat for months at a time, as this can permanently reduce its capacity.
There are several approaches to protecting your mower and charging dock:
Mower garages: Purpose-built shelters provide protection against snow, rain, and UV rays while still allowing ventilation. These are a good choice if you prefer to keep the dock outdoors all year.
Protective covers: Lightweight covers are fine for short-term use but not recommended for long-term winter storage, as they can trap condensation.
Full removal: The most effective option is to bring both the mower and its dock indoors for winter. This eliminates the risk of weather damage and makes it easier to keep the battery in good condition.
Before putting your robotic mower into storage, run through this simple winter service routine:
✅ Clean the mower thoroughly, removing grass, mud, and debris.
✅ Inspect blades and replace if they’re dull or damaged.
✅ Check the wheels and underside for wear or cracks.
✅ Fully charge the battery, or follow the manufacturer’s storage recommendation.
✅ Switch the mower off properly to avoid battery drain.
✅ Protect or remove the charging dock.
✅ Update the software/firmware so it’s ready for spring.
Completing this checklist takes only a little time but makes a big difference. When spring arrives, you’ll be able to set the mower back on the lawn without worrying about performance issues or unexpected repairs.
One of the most common questions robotic mower owners ask is whether it’s safe or even beneficial to mow during the winter months. The short answer is: usually not — but there are a few exceptions.
For much of the UK, winter brings frost, cold soil, and frequent rainfall. In these conditions, grass growth slows to almost nothing, and mowing offers little benefit. Cutting on frozen or waterlogged ground risks tearing up delicate roots, compacting the soil, and leaving the lawn patchy or stressed. Even if the mower itself can handle the cold, the grass will suffer.
That said, there are occasional mild spells in winter where temperatures remain above freezing, the ground is firm, and the grass continues to grow. In these situations, a very light trim can be beneficial to keep the lawn neat and prevent it from getting too long before spring. If you do mow in winter:
Raise the cutting height to reduce stress on the grass.
Only mow when the ground is dry and stable.
Keep the session short rather than running the mower daily.
Most lawn care experts recommend giving your grass a break in winter. Think of it as a rest period where the roots recharge and strengthen ahead of spring. Your robotic mower is designed for convenience, but even it doesn’t need to run all year round. By holding off during the coldest months, you protect both the lawn and the machine.