Winterizing your lawn is an integral part of preparing for the cold season. By taking some time to winterize your lawn now, you can ensure that you have a healthy and beautiful lawn come spring! Here are some steps to take to get your lawn ready for the winter.
1. Fertilize Your Lawn
Applying the proper fertilizer to your lawn will help ensure your lawn gets enough nutrients to prepare for the winter. During the growing season, your grass focuses on top growth. However, as the growing season comes to an end, your grass will concentrate on root growth.
The right fertilizer, including the proper amount, is essential to preparing your lawn for the winter and encouraging vigorous root growth for a healthier lawn.
2. Apply the Right Lawn Weed Control
Weeds are a common problem in lawns and can quickly spread unless taken care of. Applying the right lawn weed killer in the fall before winter arrives will help keep weeds at bay and reduce weed problems in the spring.
3. Aerate Your Soil
Aerating your soil helps ensure that nutrients can reach deeper levels of the soil and keep it healthy during the winter.
4. Overseeding Lawn
We mow our lawns frequently to keep them looking good. However, a manicured lawn does not usually allow grass to get long enough to go to seed. By adding new grass seed to your lawn in the fall at the time your lawn is aerated will help ensure your grass is healthier and fuller come spring.
5. Cut Your Grass Optimal Length Before Winter
Typically, grass stops growing when temperatures consistently stay below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Grass should be mowed to a height of about 2 1/2 inches before winter sets in.
If your grass has grown too long for the winter, mowing it to the optimal length of about 2 1/2 inches is essential to help your lawn become more resistant to snow mold and other turf diseases and keep it long enough to help protect it from extreme cold.
6. Clean Up Debris
Removing debris from your lawn, including leaves, twigs, and other dead matter, is essential. This will reduce the risk of diseases spreading through the soil in the winter months. Removing debris on your lawn before winter arrives minimizes the risk of this happening.
Leaves, branches, and other debris accumulated on your lawn can also prevent your grass from receiving the sunlight needed to stay healthy during the winter.
7. Winterize Your Sprinkler System
By following these steps, you can help ensure your lawn has a healthy start to the new year and is ready for a great spring season. With proper care, your lawn will look its best in no time!