No matter how lush and healthy your lawn looks in warm weather, the cold, dry winter conditions can affect the grass's health and appearance. Fortunately, prioritizing certain lawn maintenance tasks can prevent these problems. The guide below outlines a few important steps that will help your lawn survive the season and be ready to thrive again in the spring.  

How to Care for Your Lawn in Winter

1. Keep Your Lawn Free of Debris

During the fall season, leaves, twigs, and other debris can accumulate on your lawn. It's important to remove this debris before winter sets in. When snow falls on top of debris, it can create a breeding ground for disease and pests. Additionally, if debris is left on the lawn for too long, it can block sunlight and air from reaching the grass, leading to dead patches.

2. Mow Your Lawn Shorter

Mowing your lawn shorter before winter can help prevent the grass from matting down under the weight of snow. It's important not to cut the grass too short, however, as this can leave the roots vulnerable to damage from the cold weather. Aim to cut your lawn to a height of around 2 inches.

3. Fertilize Your Lawn

Fertilizing your lawn before winter can help it stay healthy and vibrant throughout the season. Winter fertilizers are specially formulated to provide the nutrients your lawn needs during the colder months. These contain higher levels of potassium, which helps the grass build strong cell walls that can withstand the cold.

4. Water Your Lawn

While you may not need to water your lawn as frequently during the winter, it's still important to make sure it's getting enough moisture. A good rule of thumb is to water your lawn once a week, making sure to give it enough time to dry before temperatures drop below freezing. Watering your lawn can help prevent it from becoming dry and brittle, which can lead to dead patches.

5. Aerate Your Lawn

Aerating your lawn before winter can help it absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. This process involves punching small holes into the soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the roots. By improving the soil's ability to absorb moisture, you can help prevent your lawn from drying out and becoming damaged during the winter months.

Keep your yard healthy this winter with help from Metro Sod & Seeding. They provide a wide range of lawn maintenance services to clients throughout Lincoln, NE, and the surrounding areas and work hard to find the best solutions for every budget. Call (402) 730-442 to set up a service schedule, and visit the website to learn more about how they can improve your outdoor space.