Yard Maintenance Tasks for the Winter

Lawn yards are usually the most significant section of your garden landscape. During the cold months of winter, care and maintenance are essential to keep the yard healthy. Although winter can be hard on yards, snow benefits your lawn in multiple ways, too. For instance, snow acts as insulation for the yard, which protects it at any given time. In this post, you will understand ways to care for your lawn in winter to keep it healthy at all times.

1. Lawn Aeration

The aeration process allows air to reach the soil. You can achieve aeration by digging small long holes into the ground to allow air circulation. Aeration prevents drainage problems. You can create aeration with manual or power aerating tools available on the market. There are two types of aerating devices, namely: plug and spike. These aerating tools improve drainage by preventing a condition known as crown hydration. Crown hydration is when grass takes up water on warm days, only to freeze inside its cells, resulting in a rupture. 

2. Avoid Salt Damage

De-icing products that contain salt are not pleasant for lawns. This is because they damage the grass by leaching into it. It is advisable to use products made with sodium chloride since they contain residue. A soil thermometer may come in handy as it lets you measure ground temperatures.

3. Fertilizing

Before fertilizing your lawn, conduct a soil test to determine your soil’s PH level. With an idea of your soil’s acidity, apply the required fertilizer to nourish the grass.

4. Minimize Soil Compaction

Soil compaction prevents grass nourishment, which then leads to your grass drying out and eventually drainage problems. The weight of snow can bring constriction on top of the lawn. Parking vehicles on grass also leads to soil compaction. The best solution is not to pile snow on your grass.

5. Equipment Maintenance

The best time to repair or replace lawn mowers and mower blades is before or during winter. Dull mower blades may tear the grass rather than cut it. This can lead to bare patches left around your yard. We recommend that you follow the instructions guide for your lawnmower to keep it in excellent condition. This will save you both time and money at the end of the day.

6. Mowing

Mowing before the winter season is crucial, so that you avoid rodent infestation in your lawn and snow mold formation.

7. Raking

Winter can be the perfect time to rake your lawn if you have not done it before. You shouldn't leave wet leaves in your yard since they lead to fungal growth, pest infestation, and water buildup.

8. Weeding

Experts highly recommend weeding to prevent them from spreading and gaining a foothold. Another weed-eradication method is the application of pre-emergent weed killers. These are very efficient methods to keep weeds off your lawn.

Caring for Your Lawn During Spring

Spring is a season of life and challenges. It is that time of the year when plants and flowers spring up and express their natural beauty. But, as a homeowner, it is time to roll up your sleeves and prepare for serious lawn maintenance. Your lawn is one of the first things people see when they come around your home. You should therefore give it your best shot, especially when the spring season approaches.

Some Tips on How to Care for Your Lawn in Spring

1. Rake

The turbulent winter weather can cause twigs, leaves, and all manner of debris to fall onto your lawn. Raking is the best way to get rid of these lingering leaves and grass during spring. You don't want a lawn filled with leaves and debris in every corner. A rake helps you to effectively gather all the fallen leaves and grass on your lawn, leaving it neat and presentable. Get a spring-tine rake that has a strong upward pull to get rid of the dead grass. Try to rake when the soil is dry and not muddy.

2. Aerate

In case the soil in your lawn has become compacted, spring is the best time to break it up and allow room for breathing. Soil can become compacted because of heavy foot traffic and this makes it too dense for air, water, and other nutrients to get to the roots of the grass. In most cases, aeration is done during fall. However, you can still do it during spring depending on the condition of your lawn.

By aerating your lawn, you open up thousands of tiny holes into the soil that allow the passage of air, water, and nutrients into the ground. There are several aerating machines including spike and plug aerators.

3. Overseed

If the winter season left your lawn with many patches, then prepare to overseed during winter. The main purpose of overseeding is to thicken the grass and give your lawn its previous lush glory. Use a turf builder that has a blend of seed and fertilizer. Be sure to check for specifications because different types are meant for warm-season grass and cool-season grass.

4. Mow High

During spring, mow high. Most lawns do well at a grass height of between three to four inches. This means you should cut a maximum of 1/3 of the blade length. Adjust your mower to cut the correct size of grass. Short grass generally translates into shallow roots that will let in excess sunlight.

5. Fertilize

Just like overseeding, do not fertilize your lawn if you have already applied herbicides. But you can use nitrogen-rich fertilizer and slow-release fertilizer on your lawn for the best results. A high-quality fertilizer will help nourish your loan and protect it from drought and heat.

In a nutshell, taking care of your lawn during spring can be challenging. But the above-mentioned tips can help give your lawn the beautiful and natural look it deserves.