Winterize a Lawn
Think of the “lawn season” as beginning in September. In the fall, grass starts storing up nutrients and moisture in preparation for dormant winter months. Steps you take in the fall will set you up for success next spring and summer.
Tips to winterize your lawn
Lower Your Mower
Keep grass about 1 inch shorter than normal in the fall to avoid trapping too much moisture, which can lead to disease.
Don’t Leave the Leaves
Mow over or rake away leaves to avoid suffocating grass.
Tidy Up
Remove items from the law — toys, furniture, etc. — to avoid dead spots.
Drain Your Pipes
If the frost level extends below the depth of your irrigation system, shut off the water and drain before the first freeze to avoid burst pipes.
Prep for Spring
Clean equipment and sharpen mower blades so you’re ready to go in spring.
Consider a Fall Seeding
Cool and Transition Zones
With more defined seasons in Cool and Transition zones, lawns not only need to be ready for the onslaught of weather stressors, like rain, snow, sleet and ice, but may also need some help to bounce back quickly come spring. Fall is the perfect season to fertilize, aerate, and interseed your lawn. It will go a long way in achieving a dense, healthy lawn come spring.
Cool-season grass should be fertilized primarily in the fall, as late-fall nitrogen application promotes root development, energy storage and color retention.
Warm Zone
You’re in luck! In the warm zone, there’s little to do but sit back and enjoy your lawn. If you notice some bare patches, though, consider overseeding with cool-season grass over your warm-season turf. Cool season grass can thrive until warm-season grass turns green again in spring, giving you a lush, green lawn year-round.