Dos and Don’ts of Winter Lawn Care

Dos and Don'ts of Winter Lawn Care

There are a few things you need to do when it comes to taking care of your lawn in the winter months. Here is an informative article on how to properly maintain your lawn in the wintertime with a few dos and don’ts to follow.

1. Do Evaluate Your Lawn’s Condition

Fall leaves are important for nourishing your lawn, but they can be a nuisance. They often get matted down to the ground where they can kill the grass underneath. If you have heavy leaf litter, remove it before laying seed or applying new topsoil. You should also correct any drainage problems that keep water from draining away. Otherwise, the water will sit for weeks on your lawn, where it will likely kill any grass underneath it.

2. Don’t Start Over

If you already have a healthy lawn, don’t tear it up to start over with seed or sod. If you are happy with your current lawn but just want to add a little color, just lay new seed or topsoil over the existing lawn – you will save yourself time and money.

3. Do Fertilize for Color

If you like your brown grass in the winter, don’t fertilize it for green color. For best results, use an organic fertilizer such as Green View Hi-Nitrogen Lawn Food. These fertilizers are slow-release and won’t burn your lawn, even if your grass is brown.

4. Don’t Forget Your Trees

Trees can also benefit from a layer of topsoil in the fall. Spread a few inches around the drip line (the perimeter or outer edge of the tree’s canopy) and then lightly rake it into your lawn with a leaf rake. You should do this anytime you plant new trees or change the topography of your yard.

5. Do Aerate

Aerating is one of the most important services you can provide for your lawn in the fall, as aeration helps water and fertilizer reach the roots of your grass plants. Take a core aerator or a plugger to your lawn, then rake it 2-3 times per week for one week to help distribute seed and topsoil effectively.

6. Don’t Break out the Hedge Clippers

Your ornamental plants will benefit from some pruning but try not to use hedge clippers. They’re rough on ornamental plants, and they’ll damage the limbs. Instead, invest in a pair of hand or electric shears for bushes and trees.

7. Do Mulch for Less Weeding

To make your spring wedding easy, mulch your yard in the fall with a straw-based mulch! Mulch. This will reduce weeding and keep your soil moist, but do not use weed prevention fabric or plastic under the mulch layer because this will keep water away from your plants’ roots.

8. Don’t Skip Maintenance for Your Lawnmower

It’s smart to get rid of leaves and debris before you start your lawnmower, but it’s also important to service the machine before winter ends. Change the oil, empty the bag, clean off grass clippings and dirt, repair any damaged parts without delay because rust will only accumulate throughout the winter months.

9. Do Get Professional Help If You Can Afford It

So, give yourself a break this winter and let the pros do some of the work for you. Many homeowners are surprised to learn how affordable lawn care can be! Call on a local lawn care festus mo to create a customized fall program, or at least provide an estimate of what services will cost for your specific lawn type. A great-looking yard will pay off when spring rolls around.

Learn more: Top Reasons Why You Should Hire a Lawn Care Service