A healthy, green lawn shows pride of ownership and is often the first impression to guests and passersby.
While spring and summer mowing, weeding and watering are important, a robust lawn needs care and attention all year.
In order to promote a healthy spring carpet, it is important to winterize grass properly.
Winterizing Vital In Cold Climates Winterizing is particularly necessary in colder areas where winter frost and snow covers the ground for extended periods.
Contrary to popular belief, grass doesn't die in the winter.
Rather, it hibernates during the long, cold, sunless months much like a bear or deer.
Winterizing is especially helpful if the lawn isn't in optimal health to begin with.
Timing Is Everything (but your lawn will forgive you) Timing is an important factor when winterizing.
Winterizing too early can rob the lawn of vital nutrients necessary to nourish it through the coming month.
Allow the grass to absorb as much of the remaining sunlight and soil before true winter arrives.
Prepare or Beware If possible before the first frost, rake debris and leaves from the lawn to allow sunlight and the earth's nutrients into the soil during the winter.
Keeping the lawn free of dead or dying organic matter will prevent disease and mold from setting in.
The act of raking also lightly aerates the soil, allowing a deeper penetration of sun and moisture.
Make sure you remove as many weeds as possible.
Weeds don't hibernate like grass does and allowing them free reign during the winter will make them harder to abate in the springs.
Use a weed killer and remove visible growth.
Put down winterizing compost to protect and nourish lawns.
Winterizing compost allows the lawn to keep the nutrients in the soil closer to vital roots and encourages new growth in the spring.
Check The Lawn pH Before winterizing, make sure the lawn's pH levels are optimal.
PH levels can shift due to rain and leaf cover, so pick up a pH testing kit at a garden center to make sure your lawn is at a healthy level.
Healthy pH levels allow the lawn to better absorb nutrients and prepare it for new spring growth.
PH levels can be adjusted using specific fertilizer formulated to restore balance.
By properly winterizing the lawn, the beautiful green carpet of springtime is just a few short months away.