Winter Lawn Care Guide
The winter months have finally arrived, your once beautiful green lawn has lost its lusters as your grass turns a straw-yellow/brown color. This lawn discoloration is quite common during this time of the year for warm-season grass as it goes into a dormant state going to sleep taking its long winter rest until the warmer seasons arrive.
But during this time of the year, there are some things that can be done to ensure that when spring and summer arrive your lawn will once again regain its former glory as it bounces back with a nice healthy green color.
Aerate and Fertilize
The winter months can be harsh on warm-season grass therefore it’s best to prepare your grass to weather this time of the year. Before the date of the first expected frost, begin to aerate your lawn. Aerating will give your grass a breath of fresh air, aeration will also discourage compaction during the warmer months along with encouraging your grass to breathe before the winter months set in as grasses go in a dormant state. Aerating your lawn will improve water drainage as well.
After aerating your lawn it is best to fertilize before the winter months arrive. Once fertilizers have been applied the grassroots will absorb and store nutrients. When the warmer weather arrives your grass will begin to use those nutrients that are stored which will benefit your grass as it wakes up from its long winter nap.
Stay of You Lawn
Heavy traffic is not good especially when the grass goes into a dormant period because constant foot traffic can weaken your grass.
Keep Your Lawn Clean
Give your lawn a spring cleaning by removing leaves and other debris, lawns that are heavily covered with leaves during the winter months can and will present a problem. Leaves that are allowed to cover your lawn or pile up will become matted or wet from the rain and the melted snow. If the leaves are allowed to remain can encourage disease, remove the leaves by raking.
Lawns that are heavily covered with leaves can also suffocate, however, if leaves are not too wet or thick recycle the leaves back into your lawn by mowing. This action will add nutrients back into your lawn.
Weeding
It’s amazing how it seems as if you can never get rid of weeds, they will pop up here and there even in the best-kept gardens. During the winter months expect to see weeds, the good news, however, is you can get a jump start on them before the spring and summer months arrive. Even certain parts of your lawn that may be winter stress may have a few weeds. On a dry day hopefully where you will have some sun remove weeds.
Grass Winter Watering
With all that snow and a few showers (rainfall) every now and again, you would think that your grass is getting adequate water but surprisingly as it may seem there are times during the winter months that your grass can experience drought. If your grass is showing signs of winter drought then water deeply on a day when the temperature is above 40°F.
Winterize Your Lawn Mower
Ensure that your lawnmower is in good repair at all times, lawnmowers that are function properly with sharp blades will discourage disease by not ripping or taring the grass blades giving a nice clean even cut that will improve your lawn’s appearance.
Warm-Season Grass Type
- Centipedegrass
- Carpetgrass
- Bahiagrass
- Bermudagrass
- St. Augustinegrass
- Zoysiagrass
Keep Ice of Your Walkway and Driveway
Snow can become very slippery and cause injury therefore it’s important to ensure that your walkways and driveways are clear at all times.
The final word on best winter lawn treatment
Now that we have discussed the reason why your grass has turned and off-color during this time of the year you can breathe easy because it is normal for warm-season grass to go into a dormant state during the winter months. This guide will ensure even though the cold months have set in you you can get a jump start on the spring and summer months so when the warmer seasons arrive your grass will once again paint your garden and landscape area with their healthy lush green appearance letting you know that those chilly months have passed and the warmer months are here again.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
This article has reminded me to really take care of my lawn. I have been neglecting it for the longest time and it is starting to look pretty old. I will be sure to take what you have said into account and really take care of my lawn. Thank you so much for this lovely post.
You are welcome and I am happy to have helped, wishing you success.
Thanks for this post! Me and my neighbor are trying to see who can keep their garden in tip top condition through winter and this post is exactly what I needed and definitely helpful!
Though it’s a little late for us to aerate and fertilize, I’m going to go ahead and clean the leaves up, I didn’t know they can cause such a issue.
Wishing you good success, although leaves are natural organic they can become a problem if left to pile up as stated I am so happy to help.
I couldn’t believe that I was to dig and clean the garden outside for my relative as I’m spending the holidays at her place, I found this article to comment to. This was a beautiful sign for me to complete the mission correctly. So, I will consider giving the lawn a spring cleaning and removing leaves and debris as you have advised. Also to get a jump start on all of these weeds before the spring arrives. I believe I’ll be the best guest to have for the holidays :).
Merry Christmas and happy happy holidays.
I am so happy to help, wishing you all the best of success.
I’m glad that you mentioned that aerating will give my lawn a breath of fresh air during the summer season. They also ensure your lawn is ready for the cold winter months. We have a beautiful lawn in my new home, so I’ll make sure it’s properly maintained by hiring a professional lawn maintenance service.