Preparing your lawn for winter is crucial to ensure it remains healthy and vibrant when spring arrives. Here are essential steps you can take to winterize your lawn, along with guidance on when it might be beneficial to hire a professional landscaper.
As winter approaches, gradually lower your mower’s cutting height. The ideal height for grass before winter dormancy is around 2 to 2.5 inches. This helps protect the grass crowns and prevents the lawn from matting under snow, which can create a conducive environment for fungal diseases like snow mold (OPE Reviews).
Aeration helps relieve soil compaction and improves root access to water and nutrients. This step is vital before the ground freezes. Use a core aerator for the best results, or hire a professional to ensure thorough aeration.
Use a slow-release fertilizer or a winterizing fertilizer rich in potassium to strengthen grass roots before dormancy. Fertilizing six weeks before the first expected frost will help your lawn store essential nutrients over winter and provide a boost when spring arrives.
Remove fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris from your lawn. Accumulated debris can block sunlight and trap moisture, leading to fungal diseases. Mulching leaves with a mower can also add valuable organic matter to your soil (Mowing Zone).
If the fall has been dry, water your lawn thoroughly before the ground freezes. This helps protect the grass roots from freezing temperatures. However, ensure the soil has time to absorb the water to avoid ice formation on the grass surface.
Minimize foot traffic on your lawn during winter. Walking on frozen or dormant grass can damage the grass blades and compact the soil, making it harder for your lawn to recover in the spring.
Clean and maintain your lawn equipment before storing it for the winter. Sharpen mower blades, change the oil, and store equipment in a dry, clean place. Proper maintenance ensures your tools are ready for use when spring arrives (The Backyard Pros).
While many homeowners can handle these winter preparation tasks, hiring a professional landscaper like TGLC can ensure everything is done correctly and efficiently. Professionals have the experience and equipment to perform tasks such as aeration and fertilization more effectively. They can also provide ongoing lawn care advice and maintenance to keep your lawn healthy year-round.
Hiring a landscaper is particularly beneficial if:
By investing in professional lawn care, you can rest assured that your lawn will be well-prepared for winter and will thrive when spring returns.
For more detailed information and professional services, consider reaching out to local experts online, such as TGLC, and Jim's Mowing & Gardening Canada.
