Lawn Care – Preparing Your Lawn For Winter

Fall is the most critical season in your lawn care calendar. What you do to your lawn now will be reflected in the state of your lawn in spring and summer. At present, your soil is still warm from the heat of summer, not too hot – not too cold – in fact, just perfect for preparing your lawn for winter.

Grasses in general don’t like winter. Most grass species go into a hibernation state reserving their energy for new growth in spring. You will notice that your lawn’s growth is slowing, that you don’t have to mow as frequently, and that some of the winter grasses are starting to appear. All is good for some winter preparation.

Start by filling in any cracks or hollows that have appeared over summer. This may need over sowing to promote new growth. Now is also a good time to check for any thin patches – these too will need over sowing. Now is also a good time to aerate and top dress your lawn if it needs it.

Once you have aerated, top dressed and filled in any cracks of hollows, it is time to over sow with fresh lawn seed. Use a lawn care tool to perforate the surface. Use sufficient pressure to perforate through the thatch in thin areas, but go lightly in areas that have been filled. Sow your seed and water lightly. For the next three to four weeks, ensure the sown areas only receive light waterings, preferably early in the morning. Once you have a good green top, cut it back by about a third.

There are fall fertilizers available, use these according to directions. If you have it, a top dress of well composted and well sifted organic matter is your best option. This contains all the ingredients your lawn needs, particularly the live organisms that help to break down any old plant material. This will help to keep your thatch at a manageable level. Remember, the work you do now will decide how great your lawn looks next spring.