Winter’s nearly in full swing but that doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to three to five months of dead, brittle grass. We’ve put together six helpful hints for keeping your yard happy and healthy all winter long so when spring comes you’ll be the pride of the neighborhood.
5. Don’t Stop Watering:
Many people (counterintuitively) believe watering the yard is a summertime job. Your grass actually needs about an inch of water every 2-3 weeks to stay vital no matter what the season. It goes without saying people who live in hotter climates should water more frequently in the warmer month but generally, a good dose of water all throughout the fall and winter will keep your grass green. Just avoid watering right before a frost and don’t overdo it – too much water can lead to mold.
4. Cover Up.
People who live in particularly cold climates should consider providing their lawns some sort of cover from the elements to keep in heat and minimize the harmful effects of frost. If you’ve still got fall leaves left on the ground, leave them! They make a great natural blanket for grass. Gardens do just as well when covered with burlap for the winter and the same goes for standing outdoor plants, too.
3. Use Organic Fertilizer.
If your region has yet to get its big winter frost you’re just in time to winterize your yard. A few lawn care companies even offer all-organic fertilization options which reduce the risk of contaminated runoff. Putting down a layer of nitrogen-rich fertilizer before winter really sets in is a good way to beef up your plants’ immune system before spring hits.
2. Cut the Grass Higher.
You should still mow your grass throughout winter, albeit with less frequency than in warmer months. Changing the blade settings on your mower to a higher height can leave a more lush cover on your yard, helping your grass retain moisture it soaks up and nutrients, too.
1. Don’t Stop Your Lawncare Routine.
If you work with a lawn care company in the warmer months you shouldn’t suspend service just because the weather cools off. Have regularly scheduled appointments all through the winter – once a month is fine – to continue fertilization, pruning and preparation for spring. Just because your grass is dry doesn’t mean it’s hibernating. Your yard doesn’t go dormant just because the calendar says winter!