Winter weather doesn’t mean your lawn care routine can stop. Proper care in winter means a lush, green yard in spring. Learn how you can take care of your lawn this cold season by following the tips below.

What Are the Best Winter Lawn Care Practices?

1. Aerate & Fertilize

The ground can become packed down and hard during winter, especially if it’s covered in snow or ice. Before the cold hits, and once a month afterward, aerate your lawn using a rake or aerator so the roots get plenty of oxygen. You should also apply a cool-season fertilizer. Even dormant grasses need some nutrients to get through winter, and without fertilization, they’ll be weak and struggling during spring, possibly even dead.

2. Keep Watering Your Lawn

You shouldn’t let your soil dry out in the cold air, as it can damage and starve your grasses and plants. Lightly water your soil as needed throughout winter, but only when temperatures are above freezing. This will ensure that ice doesn’t form and kill the plants.

If you have a lawn irrigation system, it’s susceptible to freezing and breaking when temperatures drop too low. Before winter, shut off the water supply to your lawn sprinkler system and drain it so there’s no water left in the pipes, and use a different method to keep your lawn watered.

3. Minimize Traffic Across Your Lawn

Even though your grasses are dormant, they’re still susceptible to damage. Keep paths and sidewalks clear to discourage your family from walking across your lawn. Too much foot traffic or packed-down ice can smother your lawn and leave it vulnerable.

4. Clear Leaves & Debris As Needed

Leaves and debris will hold moisture and rot close to the grass. Keep your yard free of leaves, and don’t leave garbage, branches, or toys out, as they’ll invite disease and rot into your yard. Check for yard damage and debris after experiencing inclement weather.

If you maintained a proper lawn care routine through winter but forgot to drain your lawn irrigation system, you’ll need repairs or a new installation from seasoned experts. At Artistic Irrigation in Woodbury, CT, you’ll find friendly professionals with over 25 years of experience in sprinkler and irrigation system design and installation. They also provide winterization services so your irrigation system can make it through the cold. Learn more about their services online, and call (203) 263-6622 to schedule a free estimate today.