Winter is already here for many of us around the nation, but there’s still time to get your lawn winter-ready! Now, of course, where you live will have a significant impact on when you need to start your preparations, as well as how much you will have to do, but the general rule of thumb is the earlier you start and the more you do, the better your lawn will come next Spring. This article will help set you up with five tips you can use today to winterize your lawn.
- Make Sure To Fill In Any Bare Spots – Now is the perfect time to take advantage of your lawn’s regrowing power and fill in any bare spots. Remember, winter is when most of your grass is preserving its energy, making it easier to spy out those bare areas, and if you plant seeds during this time, they will hurry to sink roots and do the same. But remember to often water as long as it isn’t too cold outside, don’t mow those areas, and try your best to stay off the new shoots so the roots can firmly establish themselves.
- Raking Leaves – We know this isn’t anyone’s favorite task, but raking leaves serves you two purposes. One – it helps prevent a too-thick cover that prevents sunlight from getting through the ground below, thus causing other bare spots, and two – you can use the leaves as ready-made mulch and insulation. If you are preserving any garden beds or have late-fall veggies like garlic or other bulbs, raked-up leaves serve as a cheap and easy cover to keep them warm.
Check Out, and Even Remove, Your Watering Systems – Something you might overthink about might be your watering system! Many of us rely on sprinklers and irrigation systems throughout the warmer Spring and summer months but use them less and less throughout the fall. Unfortunately, this can cause many problems, especially if they still have running water in them once the first freezes set in. No one likes to come out to see their sprinkler explode overnight thanks to freezing water, so make sure you bundle everything up, drain the lines, and store everything away and out of the cold.- Lower Your Blades – If you live where you are likely to see snow, you need to lower your blades more than you usually would during those last season mowing sessions. Yes, your grass might not look as lovely cut down to only an inch or so short, but cutting your grass so low will help prevent snow mold from forming. You should also use some grass catcher or be diligent in raking your lawn, ensuring that you collect any leaves, seed pods, and debris. And don’t forget to stow your mower away from the cold and snow for the winter to prevent rust!
- Fertilization Is A Must – Remember, just because your grass might not grow to its full height during the winter doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still be fertilizing and doing so quite often! Even bears will eat a ton before hibernation, and your lawn is the same. Make sure to give it one last round of fertilization, preferably with a good amount of nitrogen, to see your yard through the coldest months.
There you have it! Five quick and easy tips to ensure your lawn is winter-ready and to see you through till next Spring! And if you need more help, Rock City Services is here for you! We are a full-service landscaping company in Little Falls and are happy to do all the tasks around your house that make it feel like a home. So whether you’re looking to get your home ready for sale or just want to make it look a bit nicer, contact us today! We’ve got you covered.