Lawn maintenance is an important part of home care in all seasons. Nonetheless, the specific steps to take can vary based on the season. Failure to take appropriate lawn maintenance can result in winter kill. So, use the guideline below to ensure your lawn remains immaculate throughout and after the season.
1. Avoid Salt Damage
De-icing products that contain salt may reach into and damage nearby grass. For example, salt may cause physiological drought, preventing nutrient uptake. If you must treat walkways near or across your lawn, don't use products made of sodium chloride.
If the salt spray comes into contact with your lawn, wait until temperatures exceed freezing. Then, deeply water the lawn to flush out the salt and prevent damage. Also, don't leave bags of de-icing salt near or on turf because the salt may leach into the soil.
2. Minimize Compaction
The weight of snow piled on top of your grass causes compaction and bare spots. As the soil becomes compact, nutrient uptake through the grassroots becomes poor. The ground also dries out and creates drainage problems on your landscape.
To reduce soil compaction, don't shovel snow on the grass. If you must do so, don't pile the snow. Instead, spread the snowy grass to speed up melting and prevent mold formation. Also, limit snow play by walking on the sidewalks to prevent bare patches during spring.
3. Keep the Leaves Off
Leaves can fall from deciduous trees and gather on your lawn during winter. When high winds come, the leaves can gather in hollows and corners. The leaves become too wet without the appropriate lawn maintenance and can invite disease. Pests like voles and slugs also find hideouts in leaf piles.
Clear leaves from the grass with a rake, blower, or mow. You can store the leaves in bare soil to serve as winter mulch. Alternatively, mow the leaves to create a natural fertilizer for your turf.
4. Aerate
Lawn soil can become compact and restrict water and nutrient intake. Aeration is a crucial seasonal lawn maintenance tip that ensures proper air circulation and drainage. As a result, your soil and turf remain healthy and nutrient-rich. Aeration can also reduce the water and fertilizer you need for the lawn.
You need to use a spike aerator to aerate your lawn during winter. The tool penetrates the soil, creating tiny holes for air and nutrients to pass through. After aeration, you can water your lawn to help the soil settle and absorb nutrients.
Many people request lawn maintenance services between spring and fall. Nonetheless, winter is still an appropriate time for the above steps. Proper lawn maintenance during winter gets you ready for spring and summer. Lawn care also prevents lawn diseases, which could ruin your curb appeal.