Lawn care is required year-round. It's essential to prep your grass in the winter, so when the ice melts in the spring, you have an excellent foundation for your yard and landscaping work. Review these winter lawn care tips to prep your property for the months of cold weather ahead.

4 Lawn Care Tips for the Winter

1. Remove Leaves

Your lawn will likely be littered with leaves after the fall. Rake your yard consistently until the first snowfall, or until all the leaves drop from the trees—whichever comes first. In the winter, leaves on the ground become thick and wet, preventing air from reaching the lawn and promoting diseases. 

2. Aerate Your Lawn

Aerating your grass is essential for lawn care. When bits of grass die, they gather above the ground in a substance called thatch. Some thatch is beneficial for the soil, but you should remove excessive accumulation so it doesn't act as a barrier against moisture and air. If the soil feels spongy or the thatch layer is over ¾-inch thick, aerate the lawn. Thatch removal can also be done in the spring.

3. Fertilize

Grass needs enough moisture and nutrients to survive the winter. Once your lawn is clear, you can fertilize it using a product designed for winter use to prepare the lawn for hibernation. When it emerges in the spring, it will have stored enough nutrients to become green and lush within weeks.

4. Prevent Damage

During the winter months, avoid walking over the lawn, which could cause damage to the roots. Use your hardscapes to reach your home instead. You may also want to avoid deicers, which may leach into the grass and cause damage. Instead, schedule snow removal for your lawn and pathways as necessary. 

To ensure your yard stays protected over the winter, contact DCM Landscaping LLC & Total Lawn Care in Saratoga, WI. For almost 30 years, this locally owned landscaping company has provided superior lawn care, design, maintenance, and installation services to Central Wisconsin and the Tri-Lakes area. They have an experienced crew with over 66 years of combined experience. Visit them online to learn more about the services they offer, and call (715) 325-5548 for a free estimate.