Winter Lawn Treatment

Lawns grow less during winter than during spring and fall.

Lawns grow less during winter than spring or fall. They also encounter cooler temperatures and rainy weather in many areas. In general, gardeners do not need to do too much to their lawns during winter, but gardeners should know how winter lawn treatment differs from warm season lawn treatment.

Pest Prevention

Mice and other rodents sometimes damage lawns during winter. The University of Illinois recommends mowing grass somewhat short at the start of winter and raking up fallen leaves from the lawn and from shrubs near the lawn. Any debris provides hiding places for rodents and makes them more likely to live in and damage a lawn during winter.

Mowing

Lawns grow mostly during spring and fall. During winter, they often become dormant and do not even need mowing. Do not mow winter lawns if they do not appear to be growing. The National Gardening Association recommends mowing lawns short during the last mowing towards the end of fall. Start mowing again when the lawn starts growing again in the spring, but be careful not to damage the ground when lawns are muddy just after springtime rains.

Fertilizer

Apply fertilizer to the lawn like normal once during late fall, but not during winter, as recommended by the University of Illinois. Different types of lawns require more or less fertilizer, but all lawns generally prefer a high nitrogen fertilizer, according to the National Gardening Association. Apply a half pound of fertilizer per 1000 sq. ft. of lawn.

Watering

Decrease lawn waterings during the fall to compensate for rain and prepare the lawn to become dormant for winter. Over the winter season in cool places lawns should not require any watering. In tropical areas, lawns will require some water, but make sure to water them less than normal.

Thatch

Many lawns start to accumulate a layer of thatch, which consists of dead grass clippings and grass roots. According to Colorado State University, thatch makes a lawn more likely to die off during the winter. Thatch also provides a home for lawn fungi during winter. Remove thatch each year to prepare for winter with a rake, as recommended by Colorado State University and the National Gardening Association.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Lawn FAQs - Late Fall and Winter Preparation
• National Gardening Association: Lawn Mowing
• National Gardening Association: Fertilizing Lawns
• Colorado State University: Lawn Care
• National Gardening Association: Removing Lawn Thatch