Lawns need a lot of care, from seeding and mowing to weeding and raking, and more. You might think that your lawn doesn’t need the same level of care during the winter as it does in the summer, and that’s true—to an extent.
In most areas, lawns enter into a dormant state in the winter, meaning that grass won’t actively grow. But there’s still a lot of work to be done before and during the winter months. If you’re not sure how to care for your lawn in the winter, don’t worry! We’ve put together this handy guide of “5 Essential Tips To Take Care Of Your Lawn This Winter” to help you out, so keep reading.
1. Aerate & Fertilize
Aerating and fertilizing your lawn is key to keeping your lawn healthy. Aerating is best done before the snow hits. Lawn aeration allows your grass and soil to breathe and relieves compaction. This is especially important before the snow falls since compacted soil can’t absorb water fast enough, so it pools on the surface, which can kill your grass.
Once you’ve aerated your lawn, it’s time to fertilize! Fertilizing gives your grass the nutrients it needs to prepare for the winter, allowing your lawn to get a head start in the spring. You can also prevent weeds, pests, and diseases by properly caring for your lawn.
2. Clean Your Lawn
A buildup of leaves or other debris can block the light and trap moisture in your lawn, which can lead to snow mold or fungus issues. If the leaves on your lawn aren’t too wet, you can use them to your advantage by mulching them into the lawn—mulched leaves provide a lot of organic nutrients that are very beneficial to your lawn. However, if they’re too wet or matted down, rake them up and remove them.
3. Mow and Water Your Lawn
Once you properly enter the winter season, your lawn will stop growing. However, keep mowing your lawn until it does snow. Frequent mowing will push the growth horizontally and help it thicken so you can avoid weeds.
Fall is the best time to effectively water your lawn since it helps your lawn build a healthy defense to last over the winter. You can continue watering your lawn until the ground freezes, at which point you can stop. Take extra care not to overwater since watering in cold climates can cause disease.
4. Reduce Lawn Traffic
Once your lawn is frosted or dormant, it’s best to avoid walking on it. If you walk over the same areas too often, the grass will eventually become weak. This can create compaction and make it slower to green up in the spring.
5. Monitor Your Ice
Winter can be unpredictable. If you know there’s a storm coming, it might be worthwhile to chip away exposed ice in low spots. Once your grass has hardened off, make sure to clear up your sidewalks and driveways so you have a clear and safe path to walk.
It’s a rewarding experience to come home after a long day and witness a beautiful and inviting lawn and with these 5 essential tips to take care of your lawn this winter you can. At Jack’s Lawn Care & Landscaping LLC, we want you to fall in love with your landscape every day. Call us at (434) 987-4451 to get a free estimate or contact us online to get the lawn you deserve!
