Winterizing your lawn will protect it during the cold season and encourage healthy growth in spring. Use these five tips for preparing your lawn for winter.
1. Get Leaves and Debris Off the Ground
Colorful falling leaves create a dreamy vision in early autumn. But on the ground, these leaves decompose slowly. The leaf layer can smother grass and inhibit healthy growth.
Leaves and other debris trap moisture and keep sunlight out. This creates an environment for mildew, fungus, and other harmful growth. You can leave a thin layer of mulched leaves on the ground or remove the leaves entirely.
2. Cut the Grass Low
Another tip for preparing your lawn for the winter is to cut the grass short. Tall grass is at risk of disease, and longer grass blades can invite unwanted animals to burrow in your yard.
Gradually adjust your lawnmower blades to acclimate the lawn to the new height. And just like with every cut, don’t cut with dull blades.
3. Aerate the Soil
Aerating is the process of using a tool to poke small holes in the soil. These holes leave room for nutrients, water, and air to nourish the grass roots.
Aerating the lawn periodically prevents soil compaction and promotes healthy growth. You should aerate during the grass’s peak growing season, which is early spring or fall for cool-season grass, and late spring to early summer for warm-season grass.
4. Remove Winter Weeds
With grass dormant in the winter, winter weeds stick out like a sore thumb. The earlier you remove weeds, the better your chances of preventing infestation.
Apply a pre-emergent herbicide before winter weeds sprout. You might need to rotate between two herbicide types if the weeds become resistant. If you have visible weeds, spot-treat or remove them.
5. Topdress the Lawn
Finally, topdress your yard during the grass’s growing season. Topdressing is the process of spreading a thin layer (about a quarter of an inch thick) of organic material over your lawn.
The material will alter the soil’s properties and make it better for the grass. The most common topdressing materials are sand, compost, and topsoil.
For stellar landscaping services in New Jersey throughout the year, reach out to our team at Agnello Landscaping. We use proven techniques to make your lawn look its best. Get your free estimate today!
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