Preparing Your Lawn for Winter: A Complete Guide
Essential fall tasks to ensure your lawn survives winter and thrives in spring.
# Preparing Your Lawn for Winter: A Complete Guide
The work you do in fall determines how your lawn looks next spring. Follow this guide to winterize your lawn properly.
Why Fall Lawn Care Matters
Your lawn is preparing for dormancy, storing energy in its roots for the winter. Proper fall care helps it survive cold temperatures and bounce back quickly in spring.
Essential Fall Tasks
1. Continue Mowing
Don't stop mowing just because growth slows. Gradually lower your mowing height with each cut until you reach about 2 inches.
2. Remove Leaves
A thick layer of leaves can smother grass and promote disease. Rake or mulch-mow them before they mat down.
3. Aerate
Fall aeration prepares soil for winter by improving drainage and reducing compaction.
4. Overseed
Cool-season grasses establish best in fall. Overseed thin areas while temperatures are still mild.
5. Apply Fall Fertilizer
A winterizer fertilizer (high in potassium) strengthens roots and improves cold tolerance.
6. Address Weeds
Fall is the best time to treat perennial weeds. They're actively storing nutrients in their roots, making them more susceptible to herbicides.
Timing Is Everything
| Task | Best Time |
|------|-----------|
| Aeration | Early fall (Sept) |
| Overseeding | Early-mid fall |
| Fall fertilizer | Late fall (Oct-Nov) |
| Final mowing | When growth stops |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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*Let us handle your fall lawn prep! Contact Grandpa Ron's for professional winterization services.*
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