In winter, most people assume their lawn can fend for itself. After all, the grass doesn’t grow much during this season, right?
Well, not so fast.
Even in our mild winters, lawns need attention.
The cooler months are your lawn’s resting period.
So, what can you do to ensure your lawn thrives in springtime? Today, I will cover everything you need to know to make winter lawn care easy.
One common mistake people make is forgetting about mowing once the temperatures drop. But here’s the deal: you still need to mow your lawn during winter—just not as often.
Aim for once or twice a month, depending on how fast your grass grows. The key is to keep it slightly longer than usual (around 2.5 to 3 inches tall). Why? Taller grass helps insulate the soil and protect the roots during colder weather.
Avoid mowing when the ground is wet or frosty. Wet grass can tear, and frozen blades are more likely to break.
Your lawn is a living thing.
Even though it’s “resting,” it still needs nourishment.
Fertilizing in late fall or early winter can give your grass a much-needed boost to survive the cooler months.
Go for a slow-release fertilizer with plenty of potassium. Potassium helps strengthen your lawn’s roots and makes it more resistant to stress (like colder temperatures).
Apply the fertilizer before the coldest part of winter sets in. If you missed your window this year, no worries—make a note to fertilize next fall.
Weeds don’t take a break in winter; if you’re not careful, they’ll creep in and compete with your grass for nutrients. The good news? Winter is an excellent time to tackle weeds.
Apply a post-emergent herbicide designed for winter use to problem areas. Follow the directions on the label to avoid harming your grass.
Regular weed control keeps your lawn looking its best year-round.
Aerating might not be the first thing that comes to mind in winter, but trust me—it’s a game-changer.
Aeration involves poking small holes into the soil to allow water, air, and nutrients to reach your lawn’s roots.
Compacted soil can prevent your grass from thriving if your lawn experiences heavy foot traffic (such as kids playing or frequent gatherings).
Winter is a great time to aerate because the grass isn’t growing as quickly, giving the roots plenty of time to absorb the benefits.
You can rent an aerator from your local garden center or hire a professional (like me!) to install it.
One of the perks of winter is that nature often takes care of the watering for you. However, in milder climates, your lawn might still need a drink now and then.
If there’s been little to no rain for two weeks, give your lawn about an inch of water. Use a sprinkler to distribute the water evenly, but avoid soaking the soil.
Water early in the morning to prevent moisture from sitting on the grass overnight, which can lead to fungal growth.
Do you know those fallen leaves scattered all over your yard?
They’re not just a nuisance—they can benefit your lawn when handled the right way.
Instead of raking and bagging, run over the leaves with your lawn mower to chop them into tiny pieces. These leaf bits act as a natural fertilizer, returning nutrients to the soil.
If leaves start to form thick layers, clear them out.
Too many leaves can block sunlight and trap moisture, which isn’t suitable for your grass.
Winter might seem like a break from bugs, but some pests can still bother your lawn.
Grubs, for example, can wreak havoc beneath the soil if left unchecked.
If you notice brown patches or spongy spots in your lawn, you might have a grub problem.
Apply a grub control product or call our professional for help. Nipping the problem in the bud now will save you headaches later.
Click here for more winter care tips.
While it might feel like spring is a long way off, the work you do now will make your lawn pop when the weather warms up. A little winter TLC goes a long way.
So, what do you say? Ready to give your lawn the care it deserves?
Winter is the perfect time to invest in its future—without breaking a sweat. Let’s ensure your lawn is the envy of the neighborhood all year long.
