Winter Lawn Care and Maintenance Tips

What can you do this winter to make your lawn look great next spring and summer?

Just because the cold, winter weather has arrived across much of the US, it doesn't mean you should ignore your lawn completely.  It pays to maintain your lawn even during the dead of winter to ensure lush, green grass when warm weather returns.

Follow these tips to keep your lawn in good shape for the months ahead.

1. Pre-winter Lawn Mowing
   In most parts of the country, you won't have to mow your lawn throughout the winter; however, you may need to do some mowing at the very start of the season. You should gradually start mowing your lawn shorter as the winter nears. The shorter the grass in the winter, the better the lawn will survive the colder months.
   
   
2. Clean Fall Debris
   If your trees dropped a thick covering of fall leaves over your grass, rake them up. Throughout the winter, pick up other debris that can get left behind from playing children and other winter activities. If these are left on the lawn when the first snows fly, you may discover dead spots when the snow melts and the growing season starts.
   
   
3. Fertilize at the Right Time
   Most homeowners are surprised to learn that winter is a prime time to fertilize. In fact, late fall and early winter is the ideal time for cool season grasses--the most commonly found types of grasses found in the US. You should apply the fertilizer before the first freeze and then your grass will have the nutrients it needs to regain its health when warmer weather and the growing season returns.
   
   
4. Avoid Making Walking Paths
   It's easy to get into the habit of using the same path from your front door to your mailbox or from your door to your gate. Be careful not to travel the same route too frequently or you'll wear a path in your grass. Vary your walking paths so that you don't damage your grass.
   
   
5. Aerate Before the First Freeze
   Aerating the lawn helps the roots of the grass get the oxygen they need for good growth. This should happen before the first freeze of the winter.  
   
   
6. Handle Water Appropriately
   How you water your lawn will depend on where you live. If your area has a mild winter season, you should water every two to three weeks depending on rainfall amounts. If your area has a cold winter where the temperatures will freeze, you will not need to water. Instead, remove all watering equipment, turn off the water to outdoor spigots and sprinklers and protect outdoor spigots with insulated foam covers.

Winter gives you a much-needed break from most of your lawn care chores.  Keep these winter lawn care tips in mind and when spring comes again your lawn will be lush and full.

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