We cut our strip regularly right up until the point it no longer seems to be growing (end October ish).
We use the strip all year round as it's on highish ground, sandy/gravel soil and drains very well: only thick snow stops us.
Farmer rolls it Feb/ March after the frosts have gone with a massive roller and that sets us up for the year.
We've never used weedkiller and the strip's been down for 40 years but we are prone to mole attack.
Cusco