5 Simple Winter Lawn Care Tips

Some people look forward to winter because it means finally getting a break from all that yard work. But that doesn't mean you don't enjoy a healthy lawn, right? If you really want to sit back and enjoy the winter months guilt-free while looking forward to a lush, green lawn in the springtime, here are five simple things you can do.

Weed

Weeds can get aggressive in order to survive. If you leave them in place, they'll consume whatever nutrients remain in your soil during the coldest part of the year. And your grass is the first to suffer when this happens. Getting rid of weeds in the fall can help your lawn thrive during the winter and make it really pop come springtime. 

Some people don't like using chemicals for weeding, and if you have a well, they're definitely a no-no. You can pull them out by hand or investigate non-chemical weed killers or those that are safe for the environment.

Aerate

Aerating your soil creates tiny holes or pores that allow the ground to breathe. It also helps to expose the roots, giving them a better opportunity to absorb nutrients when you fertilize. Without these "pores," your grass can easily suffocate, especially when it gets hit with harsh weather like snow and sleet.

If you have a grass that thrives during the cool season, like Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and perennial ryegrass, the best time of year to aerate is the fall.

Rake

Notice the key word here is "rake," not "use a leaf blower." That's because the action of the rake stirs up the surface of the soil and helps to expose the root system in much the same way that aerating does.

But raking also keeps dead leaves from smothering your lawn and killing your grass.

Alternatively, consider running a lawn mower over a pile of leaves, then spreading those chopped leaves over your lawn. Doing this can reduce dandelions by up to 60%.

Fertilize

Grass, trees, and plants don't grow much in the winter. But their roots sure do. Therefore, winter is a great time of year to fertilize so your grass has nutrients available when it snows. That way your lawn will look vibrant come springtime. Just be sure to stick with a slow-release formula so you don't burn the roots.

Most homeowners should fertilize in the early winter before the first frost, but some lawns need a late winter "feeding," too. Be sure to consult with a landscaper to find out what your lawn needs.

Mow

In the late spring or fall, just before the last mow, slightly lower the blade on your mower so that it cuts a little shorter. Doing so can prevent sleet and snow from folding down long blades of grass and suffocating your grass and soil. Just don't cut it too short all at once or it could shock your lawn.

Contact a company, like Cutter Up, for more help.


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