When temperatures drop and days grow shorter, it’s often tempting to delay lawn care and weed control treatment until the spring. But actually, putting off lawn management at this crucial time is a mistake. The steps you take in the fall will heavily impact the state of your lawn when spring arrives. But what are the best techniques for Tarrant County homeowners to keep their lawns healthy for the winter?
Top Lawn Management Tips for the Winter
Cold weather can put a lot of strain on grasses and soil, causing root damage, soil compaction and other lawn issues. To help your lawn flourish all year round, try these lawn protection tips for the winter.
Aerate the Lawn
Aeration can help prevent the soil compaction that often occurs after heavy rain. Using physical core or chemical aeration, lawn care experts create small holes that allow water and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the soil. By improving drainage and reducing water pooling, your lawn can survive the harsher winter weather.
Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicide
Pre-emergent treatments are important for preventing weeds that grow during winter, and that will be harder to control by spring. High-quality herbicides can be applied to the lawn during the fall to stop weeds from germinating. Essentially, this treatment works by forming a barrier in the soil’s top layer that stops weeds from sprouting. Periodic pre-emergent treatments are an effective way to control weeds all year long.
Apply a Targeted Fertilizer for Winter
The right winter fertilizer can deliver nutrients to the roots, and these nutrients are needed to survive the cold weather. Lawn care specialists use specially formulated fertilizers that are appropriate for your particular type of grass as well as the season. Professional-grade products containing nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium protect against diseases and give your lawn a healthy, vibrant appearance. With the right treatment timing, your lawn can flourish when spring arrives.
Avoid Heavy Foot Traffic During the Winter
Repeated walking on dormant winter grass can cause unnecessary stress that leads to long-term damage. When soil becomes compressed from regular foot traffic, it becomes more difficult for water to reach the root system of your lawn. Unfortunately, such compacted soil will absolutely restrict root growth. This means that when spring arrives, you may find that weeds are more active and harder to control.
Follow Lawn Maintenance Techniques
Thankfully, you can provide some added lawn protection with simple maintenance techniques. Removing fallen leaves and giving your lawn a final cut are effective techniques. For maximum effectiveness, a professional lawn care service should assess your specific grass type and conditions to give more personalized advice.
Speak With a Lawn Care Specialist Today
Green Top Lawn Care will help your lawn flourish throughout the year with our weed control and lawn management solutions. To protect your lawn this winter, contact our lawn care experts for assistance. Call (817) 684-4044 or request a free quote today.
