5 Best Ways to Prepare Your Lawn for Winter

Frozen grass blades — Is your grass ready for winter? *Photo Credit: Shaun Holloway*

Everyone who takes pride in the appearance of their property should be worried about the overall health of their lawn.

Winter is traditionally seen as the time when plants ‘hibernate,’ but this season can also do a lot of damage to the root system of your lawn. Now that the weather’s starting to cool down, it’s time to get your lawn ready for winter. If you prepare now, you won’t have to struggle with dead patches and poor grass health in the spring.

Here are some tips on winterizing your lawn:

Start by clearing off fallen leaves and sticks. If left too long, they can block light and airflow from the grass.
Spike the lawn to increase air and drainage.
Practice early fall weed control. This prevents common weeds from germinating during the winter and competing with welcome plants in the spring.
Address yellow patches and bare spots, both signs of ailing or dead grass. These can develop after a summer of rough weather or hard use.
Keep your grass cut to the right height. That length will depend on the breed of grass and what the space is being used for.