5 Tips for Preparing Your Lawn Before Winter Arrives

As winter approaches, you will be thinking about preparing your lawn for the snowy, frigid months ahead. It’s possible to maintain a healthy, vibrant yard throughout the winter and set it up for success in the spring with the right steps. Here are five tips for preparing your lawn before winter arrives.

Put Your Lawn Fixtures Into Storage

Winter weather can wreak havoc on outdoor fixtures such as furniture and grills. Store these investments in a garage, shed, or other sheltered area to protect them and preserve their lifespan.

Even decorative items, such as wind chimes or telescoping flagpoles, should go into storage. One of the reasons why telescoping flagpoles are worth your investment is that you can easily take them down and put them in your house until spring arrives.

Rake Up or Mulch Your Leaves

Mounds of leaves can suffocate your grass. But you can prepare your lawn before winter arrives by regularly raking them up. Or you can use your lawnmower to mulch the leaves, which will benefit your lawn by giving it nutrients to grow.

Trim Your Lawn

Cut your grass to a shorter length before the first frost. However, avoid cutting the grass too short since it can cause stress and impede root development. Aim for a height of around two to two-and-a-half inches to strike the right balance between preventing winter damage and supporting overall grass health.

Be Sure To Aerate Your Landscape

Aerating your lawn allows for better airflow, water absorption, and nutrient distribution. This process is particularly important in late fall since it provides an ideal environment for developing grassroots.

The method involves puncturing small holes throughout the lawn using a lawn aerator, which you can easily rent from a local gardening center or home improvement store. The healthier your lawn’s roots are, the better they will fare in the winter months.

Remove Weeds or Use Herbicide

Winter is a dormant period for most weeds, making it the perfect time to address any weed issues in your lawn. Either manually remove the weeds or apply a selective herbicide to prevent them from returning next spring. Consult a local garden expert or extension office to identify the appropriate herbicide for your region, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to protect your lawn and surrounding plants.

Preparing your lawn for winter takes some effort, but implementing these tips can make a significant difference in the health and appearance of your outdoor space. Don’t wait until the snow starts falling. Prepare your lawn now to ensure a beautiful, thriving yard when spring arrives.