Managing your lawn throughout the winter

We would always advise you to start protecting your lawns for the winter period as early as the end of October/November, as even while the grass growth is dormant, there are still many issues that can have an effect on the quality of the grass come next spring.

Below is a list of lawn care tips that can be used in managing the cold winter months ahead.

Mowing during the winter

Only mow the lawn when necessary; the amount that you mow will depend upon weather conditions. Do not mow if heavy frosts are expected or if the ground is very wet. Lift the height of cut to 30mm throughout the winter months.

Clear leaves and debris

Use a spring tined rake or brush to keep the lawn free of leaves and debris. This simple process will prevent grass loss through lack of light and air getting to the plant.

Aeration

Winter aeration can be completed to maintain drainage and air to the roots.

Taking care of moss

Do not try and rake out moss in a lawn before it has been treated, as this will only spread the spores and increase the infestation come the spring.

Check for diseases

Regularly check your lawn for signs of disease, especially if the lawn has been snow-covered for a period of time. Snow is the perfect incubator for diseases such as fusarium and snow mould, so if you spot orange or brown patches on your lawn at any stage during the winter, you are advised to call your TruGreen expert immediately.

Winter lawn pests

A mild winter will allow lawn pests such as chafer grubs and leatherjackets to remain active for longer. If you notice a disturbance in the lawn surface, then it is likely that you have a lawn pest active in the soil, again make that call to TruGreen before major damage is caused.

Winter weed treatments

Weeds can only be treated when they are in growth, so once they are suppressed by cold weather, all treatments will need to be held over until the spring, and we will advise you as to the correct time and application.

Things you should not be doing when frost is forecast.

  • Never apply fertiliser prior to frost.
  • Never mow the lawn immediately after a frost, or during periods of heavy rain.
  • Try not to walk on the grass when it is frozen as this can cause blackening of the leaf.
  • Do not try and grow grass seed during the winter as it will not germinate due to low temperatures and reduced levels of photosynthesis.

Hard surface treatments

The winter period is the perfect time to treat all hard surfaces such as patios, decking and driveways. TruGreen has a product that will remove all hard surface moss, algae and lichens, simply contact us for more information on these services.

Service your mower

Winter is the perfect time to service your mower. Be sure that the blades are in good condition and are sharp prior to the spring, as a blunt mower blade can significantly damage the quality of the grass plant, even when it is managed correctly.

 

For more lawn care advice and to find out more about our services find your nearest TruGreen expert today.