Teg Blog & News

Wintertime for homeowners is often seen as a reprieve from yard work. After all of the mowing during those long summer days, it is time for a break. Or is it? Winter yardwork isn’t the same as summer yardwork in many aspects but the importance is still there.

If you want a lush, green, healthy yard all year round then you have to do appropriate maintenance and care all year round. That may not look like mowing and weed eating during the winter but you still need to maintain your yard. Why is lawn care important even during the winter? Because you will reap what you sow, in a manner of speaking. If your lawn is neglected then weeds or pests could take over, grass could die, or other problems could occur.

Here are a few lawn care tasks you can do in the winter that will make a difference in the spring.

Fertilize

Many homeowners make the mistake of ceasing fertilization in the winter because they think it is unnecessary. This is not true. As long as the ground isn’t frozen you can and should be fertilizing your yard. The type of fertilizer you use does matter. Make sure it is a winterizing fertilizer that is slow-release. This will set your lawn and you up for success come spring.

Mow

Yes, we said mow. As long as your grass is growing, it needs to be mowed down to an appropriate winter level. Many types of grass go dormant and stop growing but some don’t. If your grass is growing in the winter, then you need to be mowing.

Aerate

Making sure oxygen can get to the soil during the winter will help keep the grass lush and healthy. As you see winter setting in, before the ground freezing, the ground should be aerated. This should be down as late in the season as possible as aeration prevents thatch build-up, soil compaction, and mold growth during the winter.

Avoid Salt

Salt is a common occurrence in the winter especially when snow and ice are involved.  Salt is sprayed or dumped on icy patches to make sure people don’t slip as they walk on the surface. However, salt is very damaging to grass and plants. Be sure to avoid spraying or sprinkling salt on or near your lawn this winter.

Continue Watering

There are going to be times in the winter when you are not able to water your lawn. However, water is important in the winter months, even if the plants are dormant.  The root systems of grass and other plants are still alive and taking in water and nutrients even when dormant. If the temperatures are above 40 degrees it is important to lightly water the lawn. If the weather is cold and dry for a long period of time, it can cause a winter drought for your plants and grass. If you need help maintaining your lawn during the cold winter months then we are happy to help.  Call The Experienced Gardner today.