Winter Lawn Care Dos and Don’ts

Posted on: November 25th, 2020

For many homeowners, having a beautiful lawn is a must. But as temperatures start to drop and the seasons change once again, you may assume that all of your yard work is done for the year. In actuality, you’ll still need to take care of a few tasks to ensure your grass remains healthy throughout the winter. It’s a good idea to continue with your lawn care services during this time — and to follow these dos and don’ts.

In Winter, Do…

• Mow Until the First Frost: Depending on the area in which you live and the weather during any given year, you might not experience the first frost until mid-November or early December. In Oklahoma City, the first frost typically occurs in early November, but you’ll want to keep an eye on the forecast. Until that point, you should continue to mow your lawn. Why? Your grass will continue to grow until the temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. After that point, you should discontinue mowing your lawn (even if temperatures increase again for a few days), as your grass will become dormant. Check with your lawn care services provider about gradually cutting your lawn a bit shorter in preparation for the colder months, as well.
• Continue to Remove Weeds: Although some weed seeds can lie dormant for five to 10 years before germinating, you’ll still need to weed your lawn and garden in the late fall and early wintertime. Many weeds can thrive in cold temperatures, and since the winter is actually the prime germinating time for weeds, you’ll need to stay on your toes. While you shouldn’t attempt to remove weeds if your grass is covered in frost or snow, keep an eye out throughout the season and perform some basic weed control. That way, you won’t be overwhelmed with weeds once spring arrives.

In Winter, Don’t…

• Fertilize Frozen Soil: You can and should apply fertilizer to your lawn during the fall, as this can help your grass thrive throughout the winter and into the spring. But once the soil freezes, it doesn’t make sense to fertilize your grass. The fertilizer you apply will most likely be washed away with precipitation, so don’t bother if you’ve waited too long. It’s best to plan ahead and talk to your provider of lawn care services to ensure you don’t delay your fertilization until after the first frost.
• Let Debris or Foot Traffic Cause Damage: Allowing leaves to remain on your lawn or walking on your grass during the winter can cause more harm than you might think. Leaves and other autumnal debris can block essential nutrients from getting to your grass. Alternatively, wet leaves can also make your lawn more vulnerable to disease. And too much foot traffic during cold weather can damage your lawn and lead to bare spots in the spring. As a general rule, you should keep everything off (including yourself!).

While winter is well on its way, you still may need help from the turf solutions OKC trusts. For more information on how to protect your lawn during this time of year, please contact us today.