As the weather turns cool, it becomes time to winterize your home and property. Here, review lawn care tips that help prepare the grass and soil for cold weather in between professional maintenance appointments. All contribute to a lush, beautiful lawn in the spring.

How to Winterize Your Lawn

1. Break Up Thatch

Use a rake to remove leaves and other debris from the lawn. Piles of debris harbor moisture that can result in moldy grass. Also, use the rake to break up thatch or mats made of grass, roots, rhizomes, and other organic matter accumulations. Thatch heats up and dries out quickly, resulting in dry root systems. It also holds water, which causes root rot.

2. Identify Bare Spots

Inspect grass for bare areas as part of winter lawn care. Rake them of debris and add seeds to enjoy vigorous growth in the spring. If you are uncertain which seed will work best, ask your lawn maintenance company to seed bare patches as part of winterization services.

3. Remove Lawn Furniture & Ornaments

Place heavy lawn furniture and decor in winter storage instead of leaving items on your lawn. Not only will outdoor furniture and ornaments wear out faster if they are left outside all winter, but they also contribute to soil compaction. Root systems need air to thrive, so take everything off your lawn now to prevent brown spots in the spring.

4. Schedule Aeration & Fertilizer Services

Request aeration services from your lawn care company to prevent further compaction issues. Aeration involves removing soil plugs and leaving them on the grass as nutrients. Also, have the lawn maintenance company add a winter fertilizer to the grass, such as one high in nutrients and low in nitrogen to help fortify root systems. 

Work with the lawn care experts at Outer Images Lawn & Landscape to complete the winterization process. The lawn maintenance and landscaping company has served residents across Madison County, IL, since 2010, providing professional and reliable services from experienced team members. Call the fully bonded and insured company at (618) 971-8472 to make an appointment or review lawn care services online.