During the fall, you’ll be busy getting out your coats and scarves, as well as preparing your home for approaching holidays. But have you added lawn maintenance to your winter preparation checklist? Without taking the proper measures, the yard might not survive the harsh conditions. Use the following advice to keep yours healthy.

Do:

Schedule aeration.

When your lawn is aerated, the soil is churned up with a special tool, alleviating compaction and allowing the roots better access to air, water, and other essential nutrients. However, you need to schedule this service when the grass is still growing—before the ground is frozen and the roots go dormant.

Fertilize cool-season grasses.

If your lawn features cool-season grasses, such as bluegrass or fine fescue, they still require nourishment as the temperatures drop. In early October, add a quality fertilizer to your lawn to replace essential nutrients in the soil, such as nitrogen. This way, your landscape will thrive throughout the changing seasons and appear verdant come spring.

Don’t:

Leave your lawn too long.

Lawn maintenance professionals always make a point to trim grass especially low before the first freeze. If the blades are too long, they’ll attract pests, such as mice, who may build nests and damage your landscape. By cutting them short, you enable the soil to dry faster once the snow melts in the spring.

Forget to remove leaves and other debris.

If stray leaves, branches, firewood, or any of your children’s toys are left out on your lawn during the colder months, their weight will leave indentations. During the spring, these patches will be shorter and discolored compared to the rest of your yard. Leaving organic materials on top of your lawn can also encourage moss or mold growth during the winter.

If you’re hoping to preserve your lawn throughout the rest of the year, turn to Down to Earth Landscaping & Snow Removal of North Pole, AK. They will provide essential lawn maintenance services, aerating and fertilizing your cold season grasses to prolong their life span. They also offer snow removal services, so you can protect your property throughout the winter. To learn more about their trusted services, visit the website, or call (907) 488-4232 to ask for an estimate.