If you are like most people, you don’t put much thought into your lawn during the winter. Spring is typically the time when yards emerge from their dormant winter state—you will probably need to edge around flower beds, fill bare spots with sod, and apply pesticides, if you use them on your lawn. However, if you want your yard to come out of winter still in good shape, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to prepare it for the cold season. 

How to Prepare Your Lawn for the Winter

It’s common for homeowners to stop mowing their lawns once summer is over. However, if you had a cold-season sod applied in the spring, such as Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, or perennial ryegrass, it will continue to grow until the ground freezes. Mow it every 10 to 14 days until the ground freezes using the minimum height setting to keep the grass cut short. This will prevent leaves and other debris from smothering it and mice and other animals from building nests. 

In Missouri, the first frost of fall usually occurs in October. For this reason, warm-season grasses shouldn’t be fertilized past the end of summer. Doing so would signal to the lawn to start a new growth. Once it freezes, the active roots would be at risk of damage. 

Cold-season grasses don’t have this same issue. Sod experts recommend fertilizing cold-season grass during the fall or early winter. This will provide the active roots with extra nutrients to help them combat the shorter days and colder temperatures and bounce back thick and lush in the new year.

What Should You Continue During the Winter?

It’s easy to forget your lawn exists once it’s cold out, but this is a mistake. Regularly inspect the yard for any objects or debris that shouldn’t be sitting on top of it. Leaving them on your grass can result in dead spots and leave the area stunted and weak in the spring. In the same vein, avoid walking on the lawn and keep paved areas free from snow and ice to prevent visitors from attempting to use your grass as a shortcut.   

If your lawn could use some reinvigorating, make plans now for a sod delivery from Keeven Bros Sod Company at the start of spring. Since 1953, this family-owned and -operated business has grown, sold, and installed sod on golf courses, commercial properties, and homes throughout the Greater St. Louis, MO, region. They specialize in fescue, zoysia, and Kentucky bluegrass sod and can install small or big rolls. Place an order today by calling (636) 240-4900, and visit their website to learn more about their products and services.