How to Winterize Your Lawn

Another summer of planting, fun, and sunbathing has come and gone. Tis the season for golden leaves, back to school, and of course preparing your lawn for winter. Believe it or not, fall is the best time of year to feed the cool season grasses. This includes, turf grass, tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, rye grass, and fine fescues just to name a few. As a rule of thumb, fall is one of the best times to fertilize because your lawn has passed through the stressful period of the summer heat. Of course, it helps that during the fall season there is less competition from those pesky weeds and insects. Ironically, these types of grasses grow best during cooler weather. According to some lawn experts, it's best to consider winter fertilization between Labor Day and Thanksgiving.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spreader
• Soil test kit
• Lawn
• Fertilizer

1. 
    

   Begin by testing your soil to see if your soil is lacking in any nutrients. A basic test can run you around $3.00 and can go up from there. For more information about how to test your soil please visit http://www.ehow.com/how_2264289_test-your-soil.html.

2. 
    

   When choosing a fertilizer pay close attention to the lawn area that the bag will cover as well as the recommended fertilizing rates. I always recommend a slow release product which will release nutrients over a period of time rather than all at once.

3. 
    

   Some products on the market are seasonal packaged which can be purchase at your local lawn and garden care center. Scotts has a great product line for winterizing your lawn. Not only will you have a healthier lawn in the spring but it will build stronger roots and protect your lawn through the winter.

4. As with all products, make sure you read and follow all instructions. It's important that you do not over feed or under feed your lawn.

5. 
    

   Fertilize with a spreader. There are so many types of spreaders out on the market. I recommend a spreader with a garden guard. That way you can avoid spreading seed or fertilizer in unwanted areas!

Tips & Warnings

• Always read the label on the back of the bag.
• It's best to begin preparing your lawn for the winter between Labor Day and Thanksgiving

Resources

• how to test your soil

[acole]

on 10/10/2008 Good information. Thanks!

[luv2blog]

on 9/18/2008 Great lawn care tips! With the drought in GA, I gave up caring for the lawn but it insists on growing any way. lol.

[Sush56]

on 9/4/2008 Great tips!