When the winter chill arrives, most lawns, shrubs, and trees go dormant. To help the greenery endure through the snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, there are some helpful maintenance and landscaping tips to ensure the outdoor spaces will thrive in the spring. Here are some measures professional landscapers take to protect them against the cold weather.

4 Winter Tips for Lawns & Landscapes

1. Apply Fertilizer

During the winter season, roots continue to grow as they burrow deeper into the ground away from the frigid winds. Applying fertilizer helps provide an added buffer against freezing weather. Ask an experienced landscaper about the best product to use on your lawn. Ideally, seek out those that offer the right mix of nitrogen, weed control, and potassium.

2. Prune Carefully

After tree leaves have turned into autumn’s colors, pruning should take place before winter’s arrival. Pruning shrubs and trees too late in the fall season may expose new growth to dangerous frost. Just as crucial as how to make precise cuts. The pruning should be done at about one-fourth of an inch from the branch and on a slight angle. Depending on the shrubs, they may also need burlap wraps as added protection against frost.

3. Aerate Soil

Landscapers say soil compaction is common during the winter months. The danger is that the ground can become so hard and frozen that not enough air penetrates to the roots. Aeration helps open up the soil for roots to nourish. There are coring and slicing tools designed to go deep enough without exposing new growth to snow and ice. By completing aeration in the winter, it will help promote vibrant lawns in the spring.

4. Adjust Mowing Cycles

There is a myth that the lawnmower can be put up for storage during the winter season. In fact, certain species of grass will continue to grow during the colder months. Mowing may only be needed once every two weeks or so. The cutting height should also be adjusted to the lowest minimum to prevent fungus growth and smothering.

Your lawn can be considered your home’s outdoor crowning glory. With a few tips, you can protect it during the winter season. A to Z Property Maintenance in Brookfield, CT, is the area’s trusted landscaper for keeping green spaces healthy and beautiful. With over 30 years of experience, the locally-owned firm has transformed residential and commercial properties with customized care and designs. If you have questions about winterizing your lawn, call (203) 775-9174 to speak with a friendly consultant. Visit the website for information on the company’s full suite of services, including mulching and organic tick control.