How to Care for Your Yard During Winter
As winter approaches, we’re often looking at ways to keep ourselves and our homes safe and warm, but it’s important not to forget about your yard! You may not think about lawn care as much in the winter months as during the rest of the year, but a few simple tasks can keep your lawn safe and healthy for when the snow melts and the flowers bloom once again.
Keep it Clean
As the last few autumn leaves fall, it’s important to scoop them up and off your lawn to prepare for the winter months. As the snow begins to land on top of the fallen leaves, they become damp and have the tendency to suffocate the grass beneath. Keeping your lawn clean and free of debris will make sure it maintains its health through the winter months and doesn’t breed bacteria that may ruin the grass when the warm weather returns. This also means moving lawn furniture and ornaments.
Fertilize in Fall
When the temperature starts to drop, get out there with some fertilizer while the grass is still growing, before the ground freezes. Fertilizing your lawn before the ground freezes is vital to maintaining the health of the roots, so your grass will pop back up when the weather breaks again in the spring. When the ground is frozen, the fertilizer will not soak in, so be sure to take this step while the weather is still mild. Choose a fertilizer with a high percentage of phosphorus, which is the nutrient that promotes healthy root growth.
Tread Lightly
Even without snow on the ground, the freezing temperatures in most areas of the country will cause your grass to stop growing and lie dormant through the season, leaving your lawn looking brown and unhealthy. This is just part of nature, but that doesn’t mean it’s okay to trample all over the grass during this time. Keeping your feet off the grass during these winter months will save your lawn during this fragile state. Your pathways should be kept clean of snow, ice, and debris so guests know to stay on the path, and if you must traverse through the lawn, tread lightly.
Only Shovel Pathways
Speaking of paths, be sure you’re only shoveling the driveway, walkways, and other paved areas. Shoveling areas of your lawn to use as a path will only damage the grass underneath. Many professionals recommend shoveling snow away from the perimeter of your home, since, as it melts, it may leak moisture into your basement. Opt for a snow blower instead of a shovel if possible, which will be much gentler on the grass.
Consider Your Local Climate
Ultimately, what you decide to do to protect your lawn depends a lot on where you live. If you reside in warmer states like Florida, you may have to do less to protect your lawn compared to North Dakota or Maine. If you’re looking at Cincinnati houses for sale, your lawn care routine will be different than cities with drier climates such as Las Vegas or Phoenix. If you have any questions or concerns, contact a local professional to help keep your lawn safe through the wintertime.
