Winter is the season you spend the least amount of time thinking of your lawn. There’s a good chance you’ve put away your mower and other yard equipment and are ready for a few months of worry-free relaxation before you have to start the lawn maintenance routine again.
While there’s nothing wrong with this plan, Chad Everage with Landscape Management says there are some things you should do during the colder months to protect your lawn and landscaping from harsh weather and set the stage for a beautiful yard in the spring. “Most people don’t realize that many of the things you have to do for a healthy lawn in the spring should start during the winter.”
He says success is in the prep work when it comes to your yard, and it really doesn’t take a whole lot of effort. Everage offers these tips for winter lawn care:
Aerate and de-weed your lawn
Placing holes in your yard and pulling out soil is called aeration. This helps fertilizer; water and air get deep into the grass. Consider removing weeds and foreign plants before the coldest winter temperatures arrive. This will help ensure that when spring comes, weeds from the fall will not affect your new lawn.
Fertilize and feed
Your grass should be given fertilizer before the coldest temperatures set in. Plants need food to feed on throughout the winter season, and fertilizer will help make the grass roots stronger for the spring and summer. Wait until spring to fertilize shrubs and trees.
Pruning
Pruning maintains tree health and form by eliminating decaying, diseased or dead branches. Properly shaping them ensures healthy, attractive growth, and makes them stronger, to combat severe weather. It is best to prune during the dormant winter season because it’s easier to identify branches that need removed, and future buds and new growth won’t be affected. It’s a good idea to get advice from a professional for tips on how far to cut limbs. Flowering plants and trees also have different pruning schedules and should be researched before you start cutting.
Planting
Late fall and winter are great times to plant a tree, but it’s important to consider several factors, including whether the space is right for when the tree is full grown, the soil is ideal for helping the tree thrive, and the temperature extremes aren’t too much for the tree to handle.
Rake leaves and debris regularly
Grass still needs exposure to sunlight during the winter months, so rake up leaves and debris throughout the season to ensure grass receives ample light and air. Mold and disease are common in winter months when leaves and debris are left over grass. Don’t leave trash bags, trash cans or other heavy items on grass for long periods of time either, as this can cause damage.
Protect from cold
Some shrubs need to be wrapped with burlap to protect them from frost. It’s also a good idea to spread a layer of mulch around the base of landscaping and trees to provide insulation for the winter.
For more information on winter yard care, visit Landscape Management’s retail yard at 5005 Cobra Road in Lake Charles or call (337) 478-3836.