The lawn in your front or backyard is the largest part of your garden landscape. You do your vest to keep the lawn in the best shape by seeding, raking, weeding, and mowing. We all take pride in our lush and lovely lawn accomplishments, and once the autumn leaves are cleared away, you reckon it time to say goodbye to lawn chores until spring hits, right?
Wrong!
Even though the turf is dormant during the chilliest winter months, it can still benefit from the extra love and care from you. Depending on where you reside, your lawn might comprise Bermuda or zoysia, which are warm-season grass, or your lawn may comprise cool-season grass, such as perennial rye and fescue. In the case of warm-season grass, the turf will grow in spring and summer while turning into the straw in the cold weather. The cold season grass, on the other hand, retains its green hue through all seasons. Read on to learn about X ways to care for your lawn in the coldest months of the year to keep it healthy.
Aerating
The soil underneath the turf can become quite compacted as a result of foot traffic and the heavyweight of machinery, such as a lawnmower. Compacted soil leads to dry soil, poor nutrients taken up by grassroots, and poor drainage in the landscape. A healthy lawn requires the thatch to be at least one inch thick. In case you are wondering, the layer of debris and living material sandwiched between the soil and turf is known as thatch. Excess thatch can lead to air and water penetration blockage as well as reduced uptake of nutrients. The solution to soil compaction and excess thatch calls for aerating. The aeration process comprises a hole-making process through the turf into the soil to allow water and air to penetrate. It can be done by both the power and manual aerating tool.
Safeguarding the Lawn From Salt Damage
Did you know that de-icing salt-containing products can damage nearby grass through leaching? It is a good idea to hire affordable snow removal services, and you ought to prefer choosing products that comprise alternatives for sodium chloride, such as calcium chloride. After a snowfall, you are more likely to shovel the front sidewalk of your home, but ensure not to pile snow heaps on the grass because it will have residue from the harsh roadway treatment.
If you are comprehensive that salt spray has come in contact with your lawn grass, make it a priority to water your lawn as soon as ground temperatures surpass freezing. You can use a soil thermometer to detect the temperature. By deep-watering your lawn, you will flush out the salt and minimize any damage that was caused by the salt spray. Also, refrain from keeping bags containing de-icing salt near the lawn area, as the salt and melt can leach into the nearby soil and damage the turf.
Apply the Slow-Release Winterizing Fertilizer
If the ground isn’t frozen, you are allowed to fertilize the soil after determining the soil’s pH. Make sure to apply a slow-release winter fertilizer, which is an excellent method to hit the deeper layers of soil with nutrient and well-nourished spring shoots. On a dry winter day, you can give the grass a fine cut. Mowing the lawn in winter is a sure way to avoid rodent infestation along with the infestation of snow mold. In case the grass gets damaged from pests and mold, you will have to work harder in the spring while getting rid of the pest and repairing the bare patches.
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