These Winter Lawn Tips Will Take Your Lawn To The Next Level
Don't let the cooler weather fool you when it comes to the upkeep of your lawn. It's important to care for and maintain your yard so it returns green and lush next Spring. We have some winter lawn care tips to ensure your yard looks great every season.
Steps To Take Care Of Your Lawn Clear Debris And Yard Waste YOu won't be using all of your yard toys during the Winter, so it's important to put them away. Put away water hoses, garden furniture, sprinkles, and decorations. Don't leave anything on the surface of your grass that will mat it down during the cooler months. If it snows or rains, you then run the risk of mold growth and damaging your turf. The beautiful colors of autumn leaves may look pretty, but it's they aren't good for grass over the Winter months. If they stay on top of the grass, light, and moisture are trapped inside. Rake, mow or blow away these leaves. On a regular basis, clear the yard from natural yard waste that builds up over time. Continue Watering Cold weather doesn't mean your lawn never grows in the Winter. If it snows or rains during the cooler months of the year, it's probably enough water to keep your grass moist during this time of year. If you live in a warmer climate, it's important you still water it a few times a season. If the lawn doesn't get any water, it won't grow as quickly in the Spring. Aerate And Seed Aerating and seeding your lawn during peak growing season will help your grass come back as fresh as ever in the Spring. It's easy to use an aerator to put small holes into the ground. This breaks up the compact soil so the grass has enough space to grow. The roots are then given access to fresh air so they can get nutrients easily. Aerating your yard will also help it bounce back after a Winter season with fluctuating temperatures when the ground freezes and thaws many times. Over-Seeding Fall lawn care includes over-seeding after aerating the grass. This involves spreading grass seed over the existing grass. This helps it counteract the thinning process of the grass that naturally occurs during the Winter. This also helps it look lush and fresh throughout the year. It's better to over-seed in the Fall than the Spring so you don't have to compete with the weather and storms. Don't Forget To Mow Many people are surprised that part of winter lawn care involves mowing the lawn. The simple rule of thumb is that grass should be mowed until it slows down all the way in its growth. During its dormant stage, the length of the grass is vital to its health. If it's too short, the blistering wind can damage the roots causing dead sections of grass. If it's too long, the blades of grass can grow mold or get diseases. You're to stop mowing the grass after you notice growth is at a stopping point. Groom The Grass If you live in a snowy climate, the grass might look worn down as soon as the snow melts. Don't be scared that it'll never look the same. In the early Spring, take time to rake the lawn to help bring the turf to life. When you notice the soil drying, clear away debris like leaves and dead grass. You'll start to notice new grass. Work to break up the matted areas of yard debris so it will get fresh air. Don't fully rake until the ground is dry. Don't damage the grass by walking on it when the soil is wet and muddy. The turf is gentle, so it's important to treat it mildly so you don't damage it for the Spring. Control Weeds Weeds never seem to stop growing. It's crucial to stay on top of them throughout the seasons. Eliminate plant pests with weed and feed. Always tackle the toughest woods with targeted spray treatments. Winter Fertilizer It's a great idea to put a winterizer fertilizer on your lawn. You can usually find these at your local lawn and garden shop. The fertilizer that works best with your lawn depends on your climate. After you apply the fertilizer, wait until the grass has matured and been mowed. You don't want to apply the fertilizer too soon or you can burn the new grass. Make A Schedule Most of these tips work best when they're done on a seasonal schedule. Depending on your climate, you can sit down and write out a schedule for each task. If you overseed too late, your seedlings might be too tender to make it through the season. If you fertilize too early, the grass will get beaten up by the cold winds. If you fertilize too late, the grassroots can't even absorb the nutrients. It's important to aerate in the Fall because waiting until the Spring means weed seeds establish themselves in your lawn. Stay on top of things so your yard won't get away from you. Don't Quit Those last few weeks of Winter might leave you wanting nothing more than to turn away from your yard. The brittle, dead grass might make you think there's nothing more you can do. Don't let yourself give up. Shovel snow away from the yard, and keep pathways clear so no one tramples in your grass. You'll start to see a change as the seasons start to change. The new grass will look fresh and lush as it pokes through the dirt. Your hard work will pay off. By following these steps to take care of your lawn, your yard will be back fresh and ready in the Spring. Winter and Fall lawn care will ensure your yard is protected from disease and the cold as the cooler temperatures blow in. Get ready for a beautiful lawn in the Spring.