With winter approaching, get ready to pull out your sweaters and apple cider scented candles. It’s that time of year when you can look forward to snowy mornings on the porch and building snowmen. 

But, before you can enjoy all that winter has to offer, you want to ensure your lawn is ready-to-go.

Preparing Your Yard For Cold Weather

After winter ends, you want your lawn ready and receptive for fresh grass and a fertile garden. But in order for your lawn to be receptive in spring, there are a few things to prepare for.

• Remove debris

Removing fallen leaves and branches from your yard is a must. It was lovely to see the fall foliage in autumn, but as time passes, those leaves are decomposing and causing havoc to your lawn. Leaves can suffocate roots and grass underneath and they have to go.

• Aerate your lawn

Rake out the thatch, the cover between grass and soil, and use an aeration tool to permeate the soil. It’s necessary to aerate the lawn before temperatures drop, especially in areas where there is foot traffic. This will allow necessary nutrients to permeate the soil during winter frosts. 

• Fertilize

Putting fertilizer on your lawn will ensure it’s healthy when the final frost disappears. Laying winterizer down in fall will protect your lawn against disease and pests. Fall is critical for feeding your trees and plants to keep stems, roots, and soil stable during difficult weather.

• Protect the trees

Wrapping your trees in extreme temperatures, such as in winter and summer, will ensure they stay protected and healthy. Wrap the base of the tree to ensure they stay moist. Wrapping new trees for at least two winter seasons will ensure they’re protected for years to come.

• Protect the vegetables

Putting a cover over your gardening bed of vegetables is necessary in winter, if you want them to thrive in spring. Placing a tent or greenhouse like structure over them will protect them against frost. 

How to Protect Your Yard During Cold Weather

• Moderate traffic

Foot traffic can destroy your lawn in winter. When snow has fallen and you’re tempted to romp around, be careful not to walk on the grass. Walking on the paved pathways and sidewalk will ensure you don’t disrupt the delicate ecosystem beneath your feet.

• Plant salt-tolerant perennials

Salt-tolerant plants like bee balms and daylilies are not only beautiful, but planting them on the edge of your lawn will protect your yard against road salt. They also protect against deer and rabbits, who are going to be extra-hungry in winter. Daylilies are edible too, and add presentation to a delicious salad.

Winter lawn care tips!

• Lower the height of your lawn mower - you want your grass a little shorter in winter.
• Watch the weather forecast - keeping an eye on temperatures can protect your plants.
• Don’t overwater outdoor plants & only water in the daytime.
• Tie back tall perennials - protect them from strong and icy gusts of wind.
• Dig up delicate bulb plants and move indoors - they won’t hold up well beneath frost.
• Deer-proof your property - deer and rabbits can do damage to your lawn when hungry.

Now that your lawn is prepped for winter, you can recline and relax. Enjoy the fall breeze, the scent of autumn air, and the comfort of knowing your lawn will survive through spring. 

Happy planting!