Summer has given way to fall and fall is melting away into winter. All of the homeowners who have been toiling away at yard work breathe a collective sigh of relief. The hard work is finished and now it is time to rest.
But that isn’t quite true. Winter is less intense when it comes to yard work. However, many homeowners end up asking “should I worry about my lawn and yard during the winter.” The answer is yes. While it won’t take as much work because many plants are dormant and not growing, there are some things you will need to do.
Winter is a great time to do some weed control that you will see the benefits of during the spring and summer. Placing pre-emergents to keep the weeds from developing, pulling weeds you see, and taking care of the root systems are all ways to get ahead of the game. There are also winter weeds. These resilient plants keep growing even in cold weather and leave your yard looking unsightly.
If you are diligent in your weed treatment and control in the winter then you will reap the benefits in the spring and summer when you have a lush, green yard perfect for picnics and barbeques.
Those fall leaves were beautiful but they can’t stay on the lawn. This will actually damage the grass. Not only does this make your home look more attractive from the road but it will keep your grass healthy. When the grass is covered by leaves for the entire winter, the sun is blocked and growth is inhibited. It can also encourage fungi growth and disease in the grass. This will be disappointing when the summer comes and your grass isn’t as lush and healthy as you were hoping.
If you aren’t a fan of raking you can grab a leaf blower to make the job faster and easier.
While you may not need to worry about your yard and lawn during the winter months as much as you would in the spring and summer, you do need to keep your yard clean. If there are downed branches, leftover toys from the summer and fall, lawn clippings, or even wood you might be saving for the winter it is important to clean them off of your lawn. Finding a better place for these items or just throwing them out will help keep your lawn healthy for spring. Leaving debris and other items on your lawn will kill those spots of grass leaving ugly brown spots in when the spring and summer roll around. Worrying about your lawn and yard in the winter will help keep your lawn healthy and happy come spring. It isn’t about merely looks. A beautiful lawn is often a healthy lawn that has been properly cared for all year round. If you need help caring for your lawn during the winter months, contact the professionals at The Experienced Gardner.