It’s winter and the snow is falling, which means there’s no longer any need to worry about your yard for a few months, right?

Wrong. Winter may mean certain lawn care items are no longer necessary for a little while, but assuming you can simply leave your yard alone for four months straight is a big mistake. At Greenside, our lawn experts know just how vital maintaining a few big areas is during the winter months, and we’re here to assist you with all your needs. What are some things you can be doing leading up to and during the winter to help maintain your lawn and yard?

Fertilization

Not only is lawn fertilization recommended during the winter, but late fall and early winter months are the very best time of the year for fertilization for many types of grasses. A fertilization round near the very end of fall or in early winter gives your lawn added nutrients to help it get through the winter – once things get colder and freeze over completely, the fertilizer will remain in the soil and continue feeding your grass the entire winter.

Objects on the Ground

Objects left on the ground during winter can become inconvenient or cause injury to young children, but in some cases they can also create problems for the lawn itself. Any bulky items left on the grass that remain there through major snowfall can cause large dead spots due to the weight of the object, and this could take you weeks to correct during the spring once grass thaws.

Before winter begins, and then at least once every few weeks during winter (especially if you have children who play outside often or outdoor pets who do the same), be sure to do a sweep of your yard for any foreign objects.

Lawn Traffic

Down similar lines, reducing as much foot and other traffic on your lawn will help keep grass healthy. Grass can survive a lot, but consistent pressure may damage it for the upcoming spring. Keep sidewalks and driveways clear so you and any guests don’t need to walk across grass often, and never allow anyone to park or drive on your lawn.

Fall Preparation

There are a few late fall tips to keep in mind every year:

  • Fertilize before first freeze if possible
  • Rake away leaves and other dirt
  • Clear debris from yard
  • Cut grass shorter over final few months of fall – discourages mice and also protects new growth

To learn more about this or any of our landscaping services, contact our friendly customer service specialists at Greenside today.