Winter is around the corner. When you think about your lawn in Northern Ohio’s winter, you most likely imagine it with a layer of snow on it. And although many people think yard work is behind them this time of year, there are some tasks to perform to protect your turf from the upcoming snow and harsher weather. Read on to learn about winter lawn-care tips and get ahead of the grass game come spring.

Will Your Lawn Weather the Northern Ohio Winter?

Summer is long gone, fall is well on its way, and yard work is probably the last thing on your to-do list this time of year. But now is the right time to give your grass the tender loving care it needs after a summer of heat, dryness, and heavier foot traffic. It’s also the right time to prepare it for winter. With a little bit of time and effort, you can get your grass ready to survive the cold weather to come. The work you do now pays off later by giving you a head start on a healthy lawn in the springtime.

Don’t Leave the Leaves Behind

It’s time to get out the rake. A thick layer of leaves left on your lawn over the winter damages the grass below and may even cause rot or pink snow mold. Leaves block sunlight, prevent water from penetrating properly into the soil, and create dark, damp conditions where diseases can thrive. Plus, the wet leaves weigh heavy on your turf, making it more difficult for it to recuperate come springtime. The first essential winter lawn-care tip, therefore, is to clear away leftover leaves and debri before the first snowfall.

The Low Down on the Final Mow Down

When summer ends and temperatures drop, grass growth slows down. But that doesn’t mean you should neglect your lawn-mowing chores this time of year. In fact, an important step in winterizing your lawn is the final cutting.

The type of turfs most commonly used in Ohio are cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fine fescue, and tall fescue. Cut these grasses shorter for the final fall mowing to prevent damage from heavy snows.

Clean your mower before you put it away for the winter. Check the blades for damage and sharpen them if needed. If your lawn equipment needs repairs, now is a good time to get it done and be ready for spring.

More Maintenance & Winter Lawn-Care Tips

  • Give your lawn a good feeding before winter arrives. By fertilizing in late fall before the ground freezes, you encourage good growth in early spring. A slow-release fertilizer is perfect for this task. It feeds nutrients to your lawn gradually.
  • Aerating and overseeding your lawn is another way to ease the wear and tear of the summer months. By making a series of holes in your turf, aeration breaks up thatch and compacted soil. Your lawn better absorbs water and nutrients, and the holes left behind give new seeds a rich and protected place to grow. The thicker, healthier grass is better able to choke out weeds.
  • Think ahead about snow removal. Ever try to find someone to shovel or plow right after a storm? It’s not easy, so put a plan in place ahead of time and contact a lawn-care or snow removal company. This way you won’t end up knee deep and in need of help at the hardest time of year to find it.
  • Lastly, put away or cover outdoor furniture, and bring in any plant pots or lawn art that may crack or break in the brittle temperatures. Drain the water hose, coil it, and store it in a dry area.

Prepare your lawn for the winter ahead and save time and money come springtime. For more winter lawn-care tips or to put your prep plans in action, call Free Spray Lawn Care at 419-529-5296 and we’ll develop a maintenance program that’s tailored to your property’s needs.