With winter approaching, it is time to start prepping your yard for colder weather. You want to do all that you can now to ensure your lawn is protected from both seasonal storms and freezing temperatures in the future. Follow these tips on how to prepare your yard for winter and you’ll be in good condition come springtime.
Keep on mowing
A huge misconception is that as soon as the weather turns cold, you can stop mowing your yard. Depending on what type of grass you have, the blades may not stop growing until the ground freezes. The ideal length of grass in the winter is about 4 inches. This height protects the roots from being damaged and can help prevent bare spots in the spring. Not only does a well-maintained lawn keep up your curb appeal, but it will also make raking and other preparation tasks much more manageable.
Aerate your lawn
Aeration is a simple and vital step for preparing your yard for the winter. Creating holes in your yard breaks up dry, compacted soil, which allows water and nutrients to reach the roots and provides more room for oxygen. Aeration helps your grass grow and ensures a healthy yard for the spring says the Delaware Valley landscapers.
Place seeds in sparse areas
Place seeds in your yard’s bare spots as well as areas that are thinning. This helps prevent diseases and promotes growth for the spring. Don’t forget to water your seeds! The ground is more susceptible to moisture in the fall, so you’ll have the best chance at a lush lawn when you remember to water and protect your seeds.
Remove weeds
For those who don’t mind getting their hands dirty, pulling weeds is essential to achieving a healthy and beautiful lawn. After a storm, the soil is loose, and weeds can easily be removed. If you prefer to leave your hands clean, use a dandelion tool or weed cutter. When your lawn enters into winter weed-free, you’ll have a less chance of weeds early on in the spring.
Rake the leaves
Though fall leaves are beautiful on the trees, they’re a nuisance once they’re on our lawns. Though raking can be a difficult chore, it’s best not to procrastinate. If you don’t remove the leaves in a timely fashion, your piles will only get bigger and bigger, and your lawn won’t be able to receive as much oxygen. Save yourself the labor and your grass from suffocation by staying on top of your raking.
Lay down mulch
Mulching around flowers, plants, and trees in your yard helps protect them from the freezing temperatures, discourages animals from ruining them, and keeps weeds under control. It also improves the appearance of your lawn. Fun fact! You can use fallen leaves as a mulch substitute.
Fertilize the grass
If you have a cool season grass, like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, or fine and tall fescue, then you should fertilize your lawn in the fall. This helps feed the roots nutrients and strengthens your turf for the winter. Additionally, fertilization encourages root growth for the spring. Make sure you use a winterizer fertilizer as there are different types of fertilizers for various purposes.
Taking proper care of your lawn in the fall will put you on the right track to having a lush and healthy lawn come spring. If you don’t know where to begin, contact a professional landscaper, and they’ll be able to come up with the best plan on how to prepare your yard for winter.
