As Autumn sets in, the days become shorter and the temperature drops. This is the perfect time to consider winterising your lawn. This can help to prepare your lawn for the colder temperatures and the challenges that winter can bring. Proper winterisation can help your lawn remain healthy and ready to flourish in the spring. But what are the important steps for winterising your lawn?
What are the important steps for winterising your lawn?
There are several things to consider when it comes to winterizing your lawn, and several steps to take. These include:
- Lawn mowing and aeration- Before winter sets in, it’s advisable to give your lawn a final mow. Reducing the grass height to around 2 inches can help prevent matting, which can occur in regular frosts and when snowfall is heavy. In addition, it’s also important to aerate your lawn. This allows air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil more effectively, promoting root health and allowing your lawn to thrive in the spring.
- Clear debris and leaves- Leaves and debris left on your lawn can lead to fungal diseases and hinder growth during the winter. Clear all fallen leaves, branches, and other debris to create an open and clean surface for your grass. This step is essential in maintaining a healthy lawn.
- Fertilisation- Fertilising your lawn in the late autumn helps to provide the necessary nutrients for your grass to withstand the winter months. You should look for a winter-specific fertiliser with a higher potassium content to strengthen the roots and overall grass structure. Applying the fertiliser in late October or early November is ideal. Hiring a professional team for your gardens and grounds maintenance, like us here at Green Scenery, can help to ensure that your lawn is well fertilised in preparation for the winter.
- Weed control- Weeds can be particularly troublesome during the winter months. They compete with your grass for resources and can thrive in the cool, damp conditions. Before winter arrives, consider applying a selective herbicide to eliminate weeds from your lawn, ensuring that your grass can grow freely.
- Lawn repair and overseeding- If your lawn has bare patches or areas with thin grass, it’s best to address these issues before winter. Overseeding these areas with appropriate grass seed can help fill in gaps and promote a more even and healthier lawn for the spring.
- Adjusting lawn irrigation- As winter approaches, you should adjust your lawn irrigation system to avoid overwatering. Too much moisture can lead to frozen grass and root damage. Set your sprinklers and irrigation system to accommodate the cooler temperatures and reduced water requirements of your lawn during the winter.
- Protecting sensitive plants- If you have sensitive plants or shrubs near your lawn, consider protecting them with burlap or other appropriate materials to shield them from harsh winter conditions. This can prevent damage from frost and snow accumulation.
For high quality, professional and reliable commercial grounds maintenance you can count on, all year round, get in touch with the experts today, here at Green Scenery. We are Preston’s leading garden and grounds maintenance experts for both commercial and residential properties.