Even though we are in the southern coastal region, as winter approaches, your yard will require a little TLC before the cold hits. There are crucial steps to take to ensure that your lawn is protected from the chilly temperatures and frost that winter brings for it to bounce back in the spring. The folks at Turf Medic are here to help you create a winning plan and your landscape will thank you in advance.
Aerate, Fertilize, and Overseed
This is technically three steps in one but the process should be completed together. Aerating involves piercing the soil and creating small holes. Your soil will become dense and compact during the year which can be harmful to your lawn’s roots and allowing your grass the proper air, water, and nutrients will help it thrive.
Once your soil has gotten a breather, add some organic fertilizer and watch your grass come back lusher than ever in the spring. Your soil will store those nutrients during the winter, through the frost (and maybe even snowfall), and will actually protect your lawn from the elements. Combine that with an overabundance of grass seed about two months before snowfall and you have cooked up a recipe for a beautiful lawn.
Preserve Your Perennials!
Due to their longevity, perennials are a tremendous investment in anyone’s landscaping plan. Taking action early enough in the season will provide your perennials with the best chance to survive during the chilly months. Some perennial bulbs, like canna or dahlias, should be dug up before the winter season. Others, such as clematis, can remain in the ground but should be cut back to about an inch before the first freeze.
Adding new mulch around your perennials before frost or snowfall will add a layer of protection. While the snow can hurt your plants, areas that remain dry during the winter raise their own concerns. Continue to water your plants regularly in these areas until the temperature falls under 40 degrees. Not every location is the same and knowing your climate before deciding how to best care for your perennials is key.
Continue mowing
You should keep mowing your lawn about every two weeks until winter rears its’ head. If your lawn gets bombarded by leaves during the fall, be extra vigilant in your mowing schedule until they have all fallen. Leaves tend to smother your lawn leading to uneven grass and spotty dirt patches in the spring. Lengths of between 1.5 and 0.75 inches, depending on your climate, are ideal for the winter months, so don’t put your mower away just yet!
Maintaining your lawn before the winter months can be a tall task. However, completing these three important steps can go a long way towards waking up to a beautiful landscape after the winter hibernation.
Reach out to out lawn care experts today to get started on your winter lawn prep; southern style!