Winter can be a very challenging season, especially if you’re concerned about the health of your lawn. Many homeowners tend to think of spring as the time to plant seeds and maintain their yards for a good overall look all year long. This is because we think of blooming flowers and deep green grass that present themselves in spring. But for the conscientious landscaper, every season plays an important role in keeping your lawn healthy and beautiful. If you want your lawn to be the talk of the neighborhood next spring, here are some tips on how to prepare your yard for winter.
8 Must-Do Tips!
- Plant those seeds!
Seeding in the fall will result in a thick, lush-looking lawn with no more dry, brown spots. You may wonder why you have patchy grass in the winter months. This is caused by overseeding a warm-season grass with a cool-season grass. Rest assured, the warm-season grass isn’t dead. It is just dormant when temperatures go below freezing. The key is to overseed with cool-season grass about six to eight weeks before the first freeze to get a more evenly green color in your lawn. If you see any bare spots, seed again.
- Tend to perennial trees.
Perennial trees should be cut back properly to discourage pests from harming your trees. It’s a good idea to place mulch around perennials after the first hard freeze.
- Water in winter.
Yes, watering is still important in the colder months. Watering will make your grass greener faster in the spring. If temperatures are above freezing, water your trees every three to four weeks.
- Don’t forget to aerate if necessary.
Aeration helps to moisten dry soil, getting precious nutrients where they’re needed most—to the roots! Only aerate if your soil has a tendency to get compacted due to excess traffic. Make sure the conditions of your yard make aeration necessary before you begin the process.
- Fertilize!
Fall fertilization is an essential part of lawn care maintenance. It makes the soil more productive, causing it to develop a strong root system. Trees with healthy roots are less likely to have dead branches in the winter, and they’ll flourish in spring.
- Control weeds and overgrowth.
Kill perennial pests like dandelions in the fall, because it will be more effective than trying to eliminate them in the spring and summer. Also remember to trim your trees. Pruning the leafy trees in your yard while they’re dormant will keep them from becoming overgrown later.
- Halt planting.
Mid-October is the latest recommended time to plant new trees and shrubs. The soil is ideally cool for this, but by November it’s probably too late.
- Winterize your sprinkler system.
Have professionals, like the ones at The Veron Company, winterize your sprinkler system. If you don’t, you could run the risk of a burst pipe and flood damage when temperatures get below freezing.
Consult with us to help you bring out the natural beauty in your lawn all year ‘round! And check our upcoming blogs when we’ll share some helpful tips about raking and mulching.
Contact us today to let us go to work for you!
The Veron Company, serving Marlborough, Massachusetts and surrounding areas, including Cape Cod since 1982.
