Is your lawn prepared for the aggressive winter? Most homeowners assume grasses will survive even the winter if they don’t exercise proper care; however, the fact is that winter can destroy your lawn if you do not take the right steps for winter lawn care.
Freezing temperatures, frost, and heavy snow can start to kill the roots and leave your yard bare and dead. You could be looking forward to an eternal spring of recovery without proper preparation.
Fortunately, with the right winter lawn care strategies, you can help protect your grass and see a lush, green lawn once warm weather returns. So here we go!
Most homeowners just shut their eyes and wait for winter to come, thinking that their lawns will become dormant and not need any care. But little-known facts regarding lawn care lead to less-than-satisfactory lawns in the spring. Don’t let this happen on your lawn! Following are the tips for winter lawn care:
It is recommended that you aerate your lawn once a year, usually in the fall, to give it some breathing space. During this technique, the compacted soil is loosened, and small turf plugs are removed using aeration tools.
For larger areas, either rent a gas-powered aerator or use manual wheel-operated equipment. Aeration promotes the flow of oxygen, nutrients, and water to deeper root levels, hence preventing more compaction. To attain the greatest results, consider aerating the frequently utilized lawns twice a year.
Also Check: Top Lawn Aeration Techniques: Boost Growth and Reduce Compaction
The best time to seed your lawn is in the fall, assuming the soil temperature can reach 55°F. Roots will continue to grow during the cooler months, making this an ideal time to sow. Invest in good-quality seeds that are resistant to pests and illnesses. Avoid inexpensive seeds, which may include unwanted weed seeds. Water newly sown areas regularly until they germinate, which typically takes 10 to 20 days.
Fertilizing your lawn in the fall, right before the first freeze, provides nutrients that your lawn can absorb and keep onto until spring. If you fertilize your grass before the first snowfall, it will have an easier time standing ice. For optimum root development, use a high-phosphorus fertilizer (10-15%), or nitrogen-based variations if phosphorus is not authorized in your location.
Before the frost arrives, gather fallen leaves. Since they might produce damp areas that choke out the grass, leave them on the lawn. Just mow over the leaves to create mulch instead of raking them up. The material that has been cut keeps your grass from drying out and, as it breaks down, allows you to add valuable organic matter straight into your soil.
Do not limit your mowing activities just because the temperature is low to very low. Mow your lawn to a height of approximately 2 to 2.5 inches and keep it at this height until there is little growth. Taller grass develops a thatch that is prone to mold and diseases, and on the other hand, short grass is not able to store energy for future growth.
Your lawn needs hydration, even in colder weather. Create a regular watering schedule during the fall, particularly if there is little rainfall. Your lawn will continue to develop and be ready for winter dormancy if you water it until the ground starts to freeze. If your irrigation system is automatic, make sure to use compressed air to clear the lines before freezing weather arrives to avoid damaging sprinkler heads and pipes.
In terms of food availability and light, perennial weeds like dandelion and clover thrive in the fall and typically have an edge over grass. Herbicides make sense when dealing with huge numbers of plants or dominant species; manual eradication works best in smaller areas.
Treat these areas only when the temperature is not below fifty degrees Fahrenheit to provide the herbicide ample time to take effect before winter. Additionally, it guarantees that your lawns are well-maintained and free of undesired development while lowering the pressure from weeds.
Take precautions to protect your outdoor plants before cold weather arrives to avoid the destructive effects of frost on your lawn or outside plants. To prevent freezing, use hose reels instead of garden hose in the winter. As an extra precaution, insulated foam should be placed above the spigots. Additionally, bring any delicate plants inside to prevent frost damage.
If you live in a temperate environment, having insulated covers can help shield the plants from frost while they are cultivated in other areas. Further, now is the ideal time to prepare your landscape for winter by digging up and pulling out any summer-planted plants.
Winter lawn care is a crucial investment for a healthy yard. By taking the necessary steps to protect your grass during the cold months, you’ll set the stage for a lush, green lawn when spring arrives.
If you get frustrated or lawn care becomes too difficult for you, it is always best to hire the services of a professional lawn care company. They can provide services to match your specific lawn needs, such as mowing, aerating, fertilizing, weed control, and even sowing. When you use their services, you can be confident that your lawn is in expert hands.
Hiring expert care is not only time-saving, but it also helps to maintain well-groomed lawns and landscapes, giving you more opportunities to spend time outside. So, why worry? Call a professional and let them assist you in achieving the lush green lawn you seek!
At Eye Candy Lawn Care Service LLC, we specialize in the ultimate guide to seasonal lawn maintenance. For more expert advice and professional services, visit Lawn Care Atlanta GA , or contact us to schedule a consultation. Don’t miss our next blog on “Top Mulching Materials for Lawns: Which is Right for You?” for more helpful insights.