Preparing Your Yard for Winter
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s time to start preparing your lawn for winter. Ice, snow, and cold weather can be tough on your yard, but with a few easy steps, you can make sure your grass, plants, and soil come back strong in the spring. Follow these tips to winterize your lawn and get your yard ready to weather the chill.
Clean Up and Cut Back
First, tidy up your yard. Rake leaves, remove dead branches, and clear out built-up debris. This step prevents lawn disease, as debris left on the ground can block light and air, making your grass more susceptible to damage. You should also cut your grass shorter when you mow it for the last time this season—around 2 to 2.5 inches. This prevents matting, which can lead to mold growth under the snow.
Aerate and Fertilize
Aerating your lawn in the fall promotes strong, healthy grass. It involves poking holes in the soil, which helps water, air, and nutrients reach the roots more effectively. Fertilizing a freshly aerated lawn is the perfect timing. Fertilizer strengthens the roots before they go dormant, ensuring a lush lawn when spring rolls around. Look for a slow-release fertilizer designed for fall use.
Overseed Bare Patches
Have some thin or patchy areas in your yard? Fall is the ideal time to fix them by overseeding. Choose a cool-season grass seed and spread it evenly over the yard. To maximize success, loosen the top layer of soil in those bare spots before seeding, and water thoroughly afterward. Then, protect the newly seeded areas from foot traffic so the grass has a chance to take root.
Winterize Your Irrigation System
If you have an automatic sprinkler system, winter preparation includes shutting it down and blowing out the lines to avoid freezing. The last thing you want is a burst pipe or damaged sprinkler heads once the temperature dips below 32 degrees F.
Don’t Forget Your Garden Beds
Beyond the lawn, take some time to prepare your garden. Trim back perennials, remove old mulch, and add a fresh layer of compost. This helps protect the plant roots from freezing temperatures while giving your plants a nutrient boost for the springtime growing season. If you’ve got sensitive bulbs like dahlias or gladiolus, dig them up and store them indoors to protect them from frost.
Keep Off the Grass
After you’ve done all the hard work, keep foot traffic (including your pets) off the lawn as much as possible throughout the winter. Compacted snow and foot traffic can damage the grass and slow its recovery in the spring.
Get Help with All Your Home Maintenance Needs
Prepping your yard for winter is just one part of keeping your home looking its best year-round. Howe Lumber helps homeowners like you find the right materials and design advice for every DIY project. As a family-owned, full-service lumber supplier since 1965, we’re ready to help you plan your next project. Contact us online or visit our showroom in East Brookfield, MA, to get started.