Fall and Winter Lawn Care Tips for Homeowners

With the weather slowly getting cooler and the leaves changing color, it is easy to overlook lawn care. That said, fall and winter are the most important seasons if you want your lawn to be as green and healthy as possible when spring rolls back around.

Regular, proper care gives rise to a terrific lawn in the spring and fall and can also stave off among the most common issues like weeds, illness, and spots which are skinny.

These are critical lawn care dos and don’ts to remember this fall and winter, as a homeowner.

1. Rake and Remove Leaves Regularly

A dense mat of leaves can suffocate your lawn by preventing sunlight and moisture from getting through. This makes it a perfect breeding ground for diseases and molds. To prevent these issues, rake and remove leaves regularly.

Or simply shred the leaves by running over them with a mulching mower to help compost them in place.

2. Continue Mowing

Don’t pack the lawn mower away just yet! During autumn grass grows (albeit slowly) and should be cut until it ceases growing completely. Decrease the mowing height as fall approaches but avoid scalping.

Cut grass to around 2 to 2.5 inches high. It avoids matting under snow cover, but leaves enough leaf area to protect the roots from winter cold.

3. Aerate Your Lawn

Fall lawn aeration reduces soil compaction, improves drainage and provides access to the root system for air, water and nutrients.

Aeration involves punching small holes in the soil, which helps develop healthier grass by allowing deeper root growth. Rent a core aerator or have a professional service aerate your lawn, preparing it to absorb vital nutrients.

4. Apply a Fall Fertilizer

Fertilization during fall provides a well-deserved serving of nutrients for your lawn to store energy in preparation for its dormant state. Buy this high potassium, slow-release fertilizer designed for autumn use.

This builds root strength and disease resistance for grass in the winter months. Avoid over-fertilization, since too many nutrients can cause environmental damage and vulnerability to weak growth.

5. Control Weeds

The cooler temperatures of fall are perfect for tackling weeds that come back year after year (like those darn dandelions or pesky clover). Reduce weeds before they get a start this spring with either a selective herbicide or manual removal.

Weeds can compete for nutrients and water so it is the wise thing to get rid of them off as soon as possible.

6. Overseed to Thicken Your Lawn

Fall is also the best time of year for overseeding if there are bare or thin areas in your lawn. This refers to overseeding the grass seed in the existing lawn to fill up gaps and thicken up your turf.

In fall, lower temperatures and higher moisture levels create ideal conditions for seed germination. Select a grass seed appropriate for your lawn type and water regularly until the new grass has settled in.

7. Water Wisely

Treat your lawn to the irrigational needs it deserves even in fall — particularly after a bout of aeration or overseeding. GemGrass roots are nourished by sustained moisture during the lead-up to winter.

You can stop watering once the ground begins to freeze. But if you are in a milder climate, keep an eye on your lawn’s moisture needs over the winter months.

8. Clear Snow Properly

In areas prone to snow and ice, you should always clear your walkways and driveway but do not dump the snow on your lawn. If heavy snow cover is present, and people or vehicles drive or walk on the grass, the soil underneath can become compacted — which will harm roots. Where you shovel or plow snow outdoors.

9. Prevent Salt Damage

Chat with us in mobile app Don’t let that salt that you used to prep your driveways and sidewalks ruin your lawn. Refrain from using extra salt, and if you use ice melt close to lawns, opt for sand or pet-friendly de-icers.

Wash areas that may have been exposed to salt with plenty of water in early spring as a dilution of any residual salt.

10. Limit Foot Traffic

When your lawn has frost or snow on it, the grass blades are fragile and can easily break. Ask kids and pets to use designated paths or play areas to avoid killing plants.

Take care of your lawn with these fall and winter lawn care tips so that your grass is nourished and ready for the new season. When spring comes, you will be compensated with a greener and healthier lawn if your preparation is done correctly!