Lawns usually don’t require much care in winter as compared to summer and spring but that doesn’t mean you are free to ignore lawn care. If you can’t figure out what to do, try these tips.
1. Aerate Before the First Snow
It’s important that you aerate your lawn before the first frost. This gives your lawn the opportunity to breathe before the grass becomes dormant.
It is also a good time to fertilize your lawn. The grass will receive all the essential nutrients before winter arrives. Once spring starts, you can expect a lush green lawn.
2. Mow It for the Winter
When leaves start falling off the trees, it’s the right time to mow your lawn. Cut the grass shorter than you normally do. Reduce the height of your mower by 2 inches prior to the last cutting. However, don’t cut too short as it might encourage weed to spread resulting in bare patches.
3. Identify Existing Weed
Let’s be real, weed can attach to your lawn any season. The best remedy to protect your grass is to keep new weed seeds from germinating. This has a lot to do with how you take care of your lawn during the mowing season. Mow your lawn at the right height and water regularly.
When fall arrives, identify henbit, dandelions, and other weeds in the grass. If you spot any, dig it and use an herbicide to treat the problem. When the temperature is 50 degrees, weed tends to grow actively. By using herbicide on a warm day, you can kill the weed more effectively.
4. Watch Out for Snow Mold
Snow mold is a fungal disease that forms between snow and unfrozen ground. It becomes active in late winter after the snow starts melting. It’s either gray or straw-colored. If you see circular patches on the grass after the snow has melted that means your lawn is affected by snow mold.
It doesn’t cause long term damage but it’s still unhealthy for your lawn. The best way to prevent is to rake and mow your lawn throughout the fall. Don’t let large piles of snow sitting on the grass for long. It’s not recommended to use salt for melting the snow. This could dehydrate your lawn.
5. Remove All the Debris before Snow Falls
Lastly, make sure your lawn doesn’t have debris. Rake the fallen leaves. It’s also recommended to remove lawn furniture or any other object. Get a junk removal NYC company to do it. You will thank yourself later when winter is about to end.
Although winter months are not too busy for junk removal Queens services, but you should book them a few days or a week before.
6. Avoid Walking on the Lawn in Winters
When the lawn is frosted, don’t walk on it much. If the same path is used too many times, this could make the grass weak. In other words, it will eventually affect the health of your lawn once winter is over. Remove the snow from the sidewalk so that you, your family members or guest aren’t tempted to use the yard.
Conclusion
There isn’t much work required to prepare your lawn for winter but some care is necessary to expect healthy and lush grass as spring and summer arrive.