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Winter Lawn Care

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Guide to Lawn Care in Winter

Winter may not seem like the most active time for your lawn, but what you do during these colder months can make a big difference come spring. Frost, snow, and low temperatures can take their toll, leaving grass looking tired and patchy — unless you take a few simple steps to protect it.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to care for your lawn during winter, from reducing wear and tear to managing moisture and preventing disease. Whether you’re maintaining a pristine lawn or just keeping things ticking over, a little winter care goes a long way in preserving the health and appearance of your grass all year round.

Preparing Your Lawn for Winter

A little work now can save you plenty of trouble in the long run. By taking the time to prepare your lawn, you’re giving it a fighting chance against winter’s harsh conditions and helping it bounce back in the warmer months.

How to Prepare Your Lawn for Winter

1. Give it a final mow (but not too short)

Before winter sets in, give your lawn one last cut. Lower the mower blades slightly for this final mow — but not too low, as cutting too short can stress the grass. Aim for a height of around 2.5 to 4 cm (about 1 to 1.5 inches). This helps prevent fungal growth while still giving the grass enough leaf surface to absorb sunlight.

2. Clear away leaves and debris

Fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris can smother your lawn and invite mould or disease. Rake them up regularly to keep the grass breathing and reduce the risk of pests and fungal problems.

3. Aerate the soil

If your lawn gets heavy foot traffic, the soil can become compacted. Aerating — by spiking the soil with a garden fork or using an aerator — improves drainage and allows air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots.

4. Feed with an autumn/winter lawn fertiliser

Use a specially formulated lawn fertiliser for autumn or winter. These blends are lower in nitrogen and higher in potassium and phosphorus, which help strengthen roots and improve resistance to frost and disease.

5. Repair bare patches

Before it gets too cold, patch up any bare or thinning areas with a lawn repair mix or turf. The earlier in autumn you do this, the better the chance it will establish before growth slows in winter.

frozen-winter-turf

What Not to Do in Winter

While prepping your lawn for winter is critical, it’s equally important to know what not to do. Here are a few practices to avoid:

1. Heavy Fertilisation

Refrain from heavy fertilisation in the autumn. Applying high-nitrogen fertilisers can stimulate tender, vulnerable growth that’s more susceptible to winter stress and diseases.

2. Over-Mowing

As winter approaches, adjust your mowing height to slightly higher than usual. Cutting grass too short can weaken it and leave it susceptible to cold temperatures and diseases.

3. Neglecting Soil Compaction

Don’t ignore soil compaction. Compacted soil restricts water and nutrient movement, leading to unhealthy grass. Consider aerating to alleviate compaction.

4. Ignoring Drainage Issues

Winter often brings heavy rains, and poor drainage can lead to waterlogged soil. Address any drainage issues to prevent water from pooling on your lawn.

5. Avoiding Pest and Weed Control

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean pests and weeds disappear. Take preventive measures against winter weeds and pests to ensure they don’t establish themselves.

Protecting Your Lawn from Cold and Frost

Minimising Foot Traffic on Frozen Grass

When your lawn is frozen, those seemingly harmless footprints can actually cause long-term damage. Frozen grass is more fragile and prone to breakage, so it’s crucial to avoid unnecessary foot traffic. If you need to traverse your lawn during frosty mornings, use designated paths to prevent unnecessary stress on the grass blades.

Snow Mould Prevention and Treatment

Snow mould – the nemesis of winter lawns – can leave unsightly patches of greyish mould in its wake. To prevent this, ensure you’ve trimmed your grass to the appropriate height before winter arrives. Long grass can trap moisture, creating an ideal environment for snow mould. Additionally, when snowfall is heavy and prolonged, gently sweep or blow snow away from areas where it accumulates excessively. This helps reduce the risk of mould growth.
snow-mould-winter
If you spot signs of snow mould, don’t fret. Rake the affected areas gently to promote air circulation and remove any lingering snow or debris. This simple step can help the grass recover more quickly.

Using Protective Covers for Sensitive Plants

For delicate plants that may not tolerate extreme cold, consider using protective covers. These covers act as a shield against freezing winds and drastic temperature fluctuations, providing a microclimate that’s gentler on your plants.

Proper Irrigation in Cold Weather

During winter your lawn’s hydration needs may change, but they certainly don’t disappear. Navigating proper irrigation during these colder months is essential to ensure your lawn’s health and vitality when spring finally emerges.

Reducing Watering Frequency

While your garden may not require as much water during the winter period, it’s not entirely thirst-free. Reduce your watering frequency but don’t neglect it entirely. Aim for a balance that prevents your grass from drying out without over-saturating it.

Preventing Overwatering and Ice Buildup

While hydration is important, overwatering can lead to disaster. Excess water can freeze, creating a slippery skating rink on your lawn. It’s like providing an icy welcome mat for accidents. 

To prevent overwatering, monitor the weather closely. If rain or snow is in the forecast, adjust your irrigation accordingly to avoid contributing to the problem.

Set the Stage for a Strong Spring

Taking the time to prepare your lawn for winter might feel like a quiet end to the gardening year, but it’s actually one of the most important steps in keeping your grass healthy. A little care now helps protect it from the harsh weather ahead and ensures it’s ready to bounce back when spring arrives.

By clearing debris, feeding the roots, and avoiding unnecessary stress on the lawn, you’re laying the groundwork for a lush, green revival in the months to come. So tuck your lawn in for the season — and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re one step ahead.

For out latest tips and steps to taking care of your lawn in spring view our most recent guide.

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