What are the Best Winter Lawn Care Tips?
Do you want to know which are the best winter lawn care tips so your grass will be healthier next spring?
If yes, then keep reading.
Step 1: Kill Off All Pests
Many people neglect their lawns during the winter but this is really bad for it. If you want healthy grass that resists diseases better then be sure to treat it with pest control pesticides before winter. Destroying pest eggs and larvae should also be part of your fall lawn care process. It’s an easy step but one you can’t skip if you don’t want a sick lawn next year.
Step 2: Cover up Holes in Your Lawn
Now there are two kinds of holes in a lawn, those made by moles or voles and those made by people. The ones made by voles and moles should be treated with traps, poisons, or a combination of both. Leaving them open can cause disease so don’t let this happen. On the other hand, if you have holes from shovels or from digging plants then fill them up or cover them with metal mesh so that pests can’t get in either.
Step 3: Protect Your Lawn from Harsh Winter Conditions
Winter is very tough on grass and chances are it might not survive unless it’s properly protected against frost and snow. A thick layer of leaves is a good insulator while some even recommend covering your lawn with straw, fabric sheets, or blankets to protect it against ice and freezing weather. Snow on the other hand is okay for grass, it acts as a natural insulator.
Step 4: Water Your Lawn Moderately
It’s very important to keep your lawn hydrated during winter but you don’t have to water it as much as you do in the summer. In fact, watering it too much can damage the grass so be moderate with the amount of water you give it. Twice a month is usually enough unless there’s been a lot of rain or snow then you might not have to water at all.
Step 5: Aerate Your Lawn
Do you know about the wonders of aerating? It’s a great way to give your grass and soil an opportunity for some much-needed rejuvenation before going dormant. Although it may seem like something that should be done during warmer months, my advice would be don’t wait too long.
Aerating will get rid of any compacted dirt or dead roots from last season’s growth. So, there is plenty more room in those pores when winter comes crashing down on us with her icy fingers. keep up these regular rituals if want healthy green blades ready at all times (even if only just barely).
Step 6: Fertilize Your Lawn Lightly
Another important part of winter lawn care is fertilizing it lightly. Doing this will help the grass stay healthy and green all winter long. You don’t need to use a lot of lawn fertilizers, just a light application once every two months should be enough.
Step 7: Mow Your Lawn High
One of the best winter lawn care tips is to leave the grass a bit higher than you normally would. This will help protect it from cold weather and pests. If you have a mulching mower then leave the grass at 3 or 4 inches. If you have a standard mower then leave it at 2 or 3 inches.
Step 8: Remove Snow as Needed
It’s good to let the snow stay on your lawn for insulation but you’ll need to remove it if it becomes too deep. A few inches of snow is okay but anything more than that can cause problems.
Step 9: Rake Leaves off Your Lawn
Leaves are great for providing insulation during winter too many leaves can be a bad thing, however. Too many leaves can smother the grass and prevent it from getting the oxygen and sunlight it needs. Be sure to rake them off your lawn at least once a month.
Read: Best Winter Plants For Pots and Border
Step 10: Use Organic Matter to Improve Soil Quality
One of the best things you can do for your lawn in winter is to add organic matter to the soil. This will help improve the quality of the soil and make it more hospitable for grass growth. You can do this by spreading a thick layer of compost over your lawn or by using a commercial organic soil amendment.
Final Verdict
By following these winter lawn care tips you’ll be able to enjoy a healthy, green lawn all winter long. only that, but your lawn will be less likely to get diseases and pests, leaving it healthier over the next few years.
Winter care isn’t difficult at all but you have to treat your lawn right in order for it to survive. But this not only improves the health of your lawn but also helps it fight off diseases and other problems in spring.
Nina Bassuk
Nina Bassuk is a highly qualified expert in urban forestry management. She earned her Ph.D. in Horticulture from the University of London, UK, and is currently a professor and program leader at Cornell University. With over 100 papers and co-authorship of the book 'Trees in the Urban Landscape,' Nina's expertise lies in improving plant selections for difficult urban landscapes, soil modification, and transplanting technology.
