With winter rapidly approaching and frost in the forecast, it is time to think about how to keep your lawn healthy during these cold, dreary months. The key is preventative maintenance. Here are the tips that might help make your yard a beautiful oasis when springtime finally arrives!
Add Mulch
Maintaining a healthy, deep soil moisture level is crucial because it gives your grass ample time to absorb water. The depth of mulch for your lawn will depend on the type of mulch and the amount of rainfall. Keeping more than 10-20 percent of the soil surface covered with mulch can help keep roots cool and prevent dry spots from forming, and many materials work well for this purpose, including hay, leaves, twigs, bark chips, and wood chips. In addition to helping keep the soil moist, mulches also help maintain levels of nutrients in the soil—providing an alternative source of nutrition for plants when it is impossible to supply them through irrigation. Remember to remove any dead or dying plant matter that could harbor insects and diseases that can cause damage to your healthy plants.
Fertilize and Feed
Fertilizing before winter includes one of the tips for lawn care in Bucks County, PA because it can help ward off disease and give your lawn a little boost in the winter to keep it healthy. That is especially important if your lawn is subjected to injury or stress. You can fertilize with synthetic fertilizers like food-grade ammonium sulfide or fish emulsion if you wish (though this is not recommended for most homeowners). If you choose to fertilize organic material, try some citrus-based organic fertilizer. Ask your local store for recommendations on products specifically designed for the type of lawn you have at home. Never fertilize in the fall if you live in a climate where temperatures can drop below 32 degrees F. You can fertilize in early spring before new growth begins as long as daytime temperatures exceed 50 degrees F.
Check the pH level of your soil
Higher acid levels make it difficult for water to penetrate the ground and cause frost heave or broken roots when the snow melts in warmer temperatures. If you need to adjust pH levels, use pine needles, coffee grounds, or composted leaves around the base of trees. They all have acidic properties that help break down clay soils and loosen tight soils so water can better reach grass roots during the spring melt season.
Keep off the grass
Your lawn needs rest and recovery in the winter. The lawn needs time to heal itself from any damage that may have occurred during the spring and summer months. That will help your lawn stay healthy throughout the winter months. Avoid all activities, such as ball games that will create large holes in your yard.
Control Weeds
Weeds are an enemy of the lawn during cold weather! It will take over your garden and choke out all your carefully planted and cultivated grass. Weed seeds are typically dormant during the cold months, but they can still grow if you don’t keep them in check. Get after them with mulch, weeding, and thickening grass to create a barrier against those pesky weeds.
Contact Us Today!
Keeping your lawn healthy during the cold weather is essential. Remember, your lawn is a low-maintenance investment that will add aesthetic and environmental benefits to your home and fence line. Depending on your lawn type and where you live, you can maintain it during the winter by adding mulch, fertilizing and feeding, checking the pH level of your soil, and controlling weeds. Lawns not appropriately maintained can quickly become dead, dried, and yellow. If you need help maintaining your lawn, contact us today for Doylestown lawn care!
