Table of Contents
Winterize Your Lawn and Garden in 7 Steps Check pH Levels. 1/8. Before you start winter prep work, test the pH levels of your soil. Remove Weeds. 2/8. Spread Fertilizer. 3/8. Aerate to Refresh the Lawn. 4/8. Spread Grass Seed. 5/8. Cover Plant Beds. 6/8. Continue to Remove Debris. 7/8. Get Winter Ready. 8/8.
What is the best way to winterize your lawn?
If you have a cool-season lawn, it’s actually best to winterize your lawn with two separate feedings: one application of winter lawn fertilizer late summer/early fall and the second application during late fall, or whenever the leaves reach peak color in your area.
What month do you put Winterizer on your lawn?
The best time to apply a winterizer is after the grass stops growing in the fall, while it is still green on top and active below the surface. In most parts of the North, this will be sometime in mid-late November, or even early December.
Do you need to winterize grass?
Winterizing the lawn in warm climates is not as necessary as it is in colder parts of the country, but there are still some steps you can take to keep your lawn in tip-top shape: Do not use “winterizing” fertilizers.
How do I prepare my lawn for winter grass?
Pre-winter lawn care consists of aerating the turf—to reduce compaction and make it easier for fertilizer and water to reach the roots—and reinvigorating thin areas with compost and seed.
How do I prepare my lawn for fall?
8 Fall Lawn Care Tips Keep mowing. Water when needed. Rake often. Now is the time to think about aeration. Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Seed to fill in bare and burned spots. Keep up with lawn pest control. Keep a Tight Schedule.
Is it too late to fertilize my lawn in October?
Fertilize Fertilizing twice in the fall, once in late August and once in late October, will keep your lawn green throughout the rest of the year. Winter Survival is not too high in Nitrogen, as excess Nitrogen can lead to snow mold disease problems later in winter and spring.
Can I use Scotts WinterGuard on new grass?
Yes, you can apply a winterizer fertilizer such as Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Lawn Food at or around the same time as overseeding since there is no herbicide. This formulation is designed for established turf, but the boost of nutrients would only help the new seeding.
Should I fertilize my lawn before winter?
Aerate & Fertilize Just before your area’s first expected frost date, head out to your lawn and aerate. Fertilizing your lawn gives your grass the essential nutrients it needs as it prepares for winter. The grass roots absorb and store the nutrients during the winter months.
Do I need Winterizer fertilizer?
Most lawn care experts are adamant that winterizer fertilizer is the most important of all fertilizers. Winterizer helps the roots of the grass absorb and store nutrients. The roots continue to grow until the ground eventually freezes.
Is it better to leave grass longer for winter?
Reduce winter kill—Longer grass is more likely to experience winter kill, especially when snow is present. The snow folds grass blades over the plant crown, which can lead to fungal disease and rot.
How do I fertilize my lawn for winter?
Apply 1 pound of nitrogen per 1000 s/f for your last fertilizer application of the season. You could apply a little less, but don’t exceed a pound, especially with synthetic fertilizers since they are more susceptible to burn, even during the winter.
Should I mulch my lawn before winter?
To prepare these plants for winter, apply a layer of mulch. It’s a good idea to mulch throughout the autumn. Also, raked leaves can be easily chopped up for this purpose.
Can you aerate lawn in winter?
Winter is a suitable time for aerating the lawn! The process (digging narrow channels into the earth to get air into the compacted soil) can be messy, leaving lots of tiny plugs of soil on the lawn’s surface; but aerating in the winter should avoid the risk of the soil beneath the grass drying out.
Is it too late to fertilize my lawn in December?
Beware: fertilizing too late (once winter sets in) or too early (before mid-November) can actually do harm to your lawn. Applying a fertilizer too late after the first frost can result in chemical burns, root damage, and blade damage.
Should I aerate my lawn in the fall?
The most beneficial thing you can do for your lawn in the Fall to assure a healthy yard with less effort in the Spring is aeration and seeding. Aerating and dethatching are best done when a lawn can take some abuse and recover easily. Fall is perfect due to the cool air temperatures and warm soil temperatures.
How do I treat my lawn after winter?
Don’t Wait Too Long to Mow the Lawn. Keep the Yard Clear Throughout the Winter. Protect the Lawn During the Last Weeks of Winter. Groom the Grass at the Beginning of the Season. Help the Grass Get Some Fresh Air. Encourage New Growth in the Spring with Over-seeding. Give it Nutrients to Grow in the Spring.
Should I fertilize before rain?
Too much rain could wash away the fertilizer before it has a chance to soak into the soil, so plan to fertilize several days before a heavy rain arrives or several days later.
When should you not fertilize your lawn?
If your warm-season lawn goes dormant in winter, don’t fertilize after the first of September. Warm season grass types include bahia, Bermuda, St. Augustine, centipede and zoysia. Warm season grasses typically thrive in frost-free areas and grow best at temps of 75 degrees to 90 degrees.
How many times a year should I fertilize my lawn?
A full feeding is recommended at least 5-6 times per year. You want to feed your lawn when it’s growing most rapidly. However, you should base the frequency on your climate and the type of grass you have. For example, cool season grasses can be fertilized in late spring, but only if necessary.
How late can I apply Scotts WinterGuard?
For your best lawn, feed once in early Fall and 6-8 weeks later in late fall.
When should I apply WinterGuard fertilizer?
You should apply winterizer when the grass stops growing in the fall, but while it is still active in the root system. You can tell that your grass is still active by the the strong green color. Your location will depend on when exactly this is, but it is usually mid-late November.
