Tips to Ready a Lawn for Winter

Just as watering a lawn tends to reach a yearly low in the fall, many homeowners begin neglecting mowing toward the end of the year.

With the cold winter days on the way, homeowners must consider the best ways to care for their outdoor spaces. Lawns, in particular, can struggle when the first frost sets in. But there are steps to take to safeguard the grass and help it survive those icy nights.

This guide will look at some essential tips for preparing lawns for winter.

Clear away fallen leaves

While golden fall leaves may look pretty sprinkled across the lawn, they don’t do the grass any favors. They block out light and moisture, leading to little patches of grass weakening or dying over the winter.

Homeowners can remedy the situation by using a simple rake or leaf blower to blast the leaves away. To get some value out of them, try shredding these leaves and using them as mulch to protect trees and other plants.

Keep watering when necessary

Many homeowners tend to water their lawns most in summer and least in fall and winter. However, grass always needs moisture to grow and thrive, no matter the time of year.

Fall usually provides extra rain and dew to keep the grass wet. However, homeowners should water the lawn themselves if a few days go by without rain. This will help ensure the soil stays damp and fresh to keep the grass growing.

Mow the right way

Just as watering a lawn tends to reach a yearly low in the fall, many homeowners begin neglecting mowing toward the end of the year. However, grass will keep growing until the first big frost of the year and still needs cutting.

If allowed to grow too long, the grass will be more prone to fungi infestations and other issues. On the other hand, if it’s cut too short, the lawn’s roots may be exposed to winter damage. Try mowing each blade to a height of around 3 inches for best results.

Use some fertilizer

Grass not only needs water to survive the winter but also requires essential nutrients like nitrogen. The lawn may struggle to make it through the winter if the soil is low in nitrogen or other key minerals, like potassium.

To alleviate issues with low nutrients, homeowners can add some fertilizer to the soil. Slow-release fertilizer is the best option. It gradually releases key minerals, keeping the soil strong and fertile throughout the cold season.

Prep lawns in the fall to avoid winter disaster

It is crucial to avoid a brown and barren lawn next spring. So act early and prepare for the fall. For best results, homeowners can call on the services of trusted lawn care professionals. They can provide expert advice and services to help any lawn last the winter. Contact a local lawn care firm today to get your lawn winter-ready.

Epic Lawns LLC provides top-quality lawn care and landscaping installation and maintenance to property owners in St. Charles, St. Louis, and Lincoln Counties. Call Epic Lawns at (636) 445-0824.