5 Tips to Winterize Your Lawn

lawn photo picture pics imageBefore the snow starts to pile on, check out these quick and easy tips to winterize your lawn. Taking care of things now will ensure a lush, green yard in the springtime.

Trim

The last few mows of the season, set the blade lower. Grass that gets too long can actually smother itself, preventing air and water from reaching the soil. Try cutting it down to an inch or two, just be sure not to expose the crown. If the crown (the growth center of the plant) is exposed through the winter months, it could damage the plant.

Clean

It’s very important to clear everything off the yard before it starts snowing. Thatch, roots, twigs or dead grass all should be cleaned from the yard. This debris can prevent air and water from reaching the soil. It’s also a good idea to do an occasionally sweep throughout the winter for anything that may fall onto your lawn. Clearing off your lawn can also prevent lawn disease like snow mold. Snow mold is a fungal disease that pops up in early spring. Depending on the severity, snow mold can affect just the blades or the entire crown of the plant.

Aerate

Be sure to aerate your lawn before fertilizing. Aerating allows water and nutrients to get to the roots of the grass and help them grow. Generally it is best to aerate your lawn in the early months of winter. After the grass and soil become compacted from barbeques, football, or just spending a lot of time on the lawn, aerating helps loosen up the soil. Once you’ve aerated, the lawn will be able to absorb more of the nutrients from the fertilizer.

Fertilize

Fertilizing your lawn with a slow release nitrogen based fertilizer will help sustain your lawn through the winter months. It’s best to do this before the first freeze to replace all of the nutrients that have been used throughout the warmer summer months. A slow release formula is imperative as it will remain in the soil and feed the roots all winter long.

Keep Off

Keep your walking paths shoveled and salted this winter! This is not only safer for you and your family, but it will prevent them from cutting through the lawn. Grass is resilient, however trudging through the snow and compacting the grass all winter will create problems come spring. Never allow parking on your grass either. The weight of a car will kill the good grass and make room for weeds and crabgrass.
This article was written by Erie Construction. For more tips on home improvement, follow Erie Construction on Twitter.

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