It won’t be long before the temperatures drop and the slushy, snowy, icy, precipitation starts pouring from the skies. The homeowners might think it’s the perfect time to take a break from tending to the lawn, essentially there’s a lot that needs to get done. That is, unless you want to have to start over from scratch in the spring. Below, are a few winter lawn care tips you need to add to your home improvement list of things to do to get ready for the cold season.
Time to Fertilize
If you want lush, green grass in the spring it is ideal that you fertilize it now. You don’t want to burn your grass by overdoing it, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully. Using a spreader can help to reduce the risk of damaging your lawn.
Aerating
Aerating is the process of removing thatches or large clumps of dead grass just beneath the soil. Thatches in small amounts can be ideal for fertilizing the soil, however, if it is too large to break down, it can stop the grass from getting the moisture it needs to thrive. You’ll need an aerator to get rid of the clumps. Moisten the ground so the soil is soft for turning and then go over affected areas (or your entire lawn if it’s badly damaged and not growing properly).
Apply Your Grass Seed
Another winter lawn prep tip for greener looking grass in the spring is to plant grass seed. You need to look for the best place to buy grass seed that is specifically designed for the cool season. Spread the seeds on your lawn using a spreader and do your best to spread them evenly to prevent clumping.
Rake and Water
Gently rake the lawn to make sure that the soil is even and the grass seed is covered just a bit. Then, water your lawn so that the soil is moist allowing the fertilizer and seeds to work into the soil.
Clean Up
Don’t let the winter come and your lawn looks a mess. It is important to clean up your lawn to prevent objects from smothering the grass or attracting pests to your home. Rake any leaves, throw away trash, place lawn furniture in the garage, and place gardening and lawn equipment in the shed.
Tend to the Gutters
Unless you want all of your hard work to go down the drain and your foundation to be ruined, it is highly recommended that you get those gutters cleaned out. Likely filled with the foliage that has fallen during the fall, the debris can clog the gutter system making it nearly impossible for water to escape. This, then leads to flooding which can also cause tiny puddles to develop around your lawn.
Cut the Grass
Before the winter starts it is imperative to continue cutting your grass. Long grass can cause your lawn to become infected. You’ll need to move your mower blades down an inch or so as it is recommended that you cut your grass very low before the temperatures start to get too cold and harden the ground.
Pull the Weeds
Weeds are bad for your lawn. They can easily suck the life out of your grass as it robs it of nutrients and moisture to survive. If you want it to remain healthy, you need to handle this before the cold season starts. Pull the weeds from your gardens and around plants, trees, and shrubs on your lawn.
Watch the Traffic
You may think that traffic on your grass is no big deal in the winter, however, the end result can be dry brown patches of grass in the spring. You can reduce the chances of this happening by being mindful of the traffic. Placing signs for visitors to keep of the grass, ensuring that your walkways are clear, adding lights so people can see their path, and setting up any winter backyard items (lawn chairs, portable fire pits, outdoor kitchens, etc. on the patio or deck.
The cold weather adds a lot of home improvement tasks to your plate to make sure your residence is safe and warm for the family. In your efforts to get the inside of your house prepared for the winter, be sure that you don’t forget to take care of your lawn. Though it may be covered in snow and ice for the next few months, the work you do to prepare now will result in a beautiful lawn and garden in the spring.
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