Prepping Your Lawn For Winter

Prepping Your Lawn For Winter

Nov 07th 2019

Winters in the Sunshine State are much milder than the rest of the United States, but that doesn’t mean your lawn doesn’t need the proper tender loving care. Winter lawn care in Florida doesn’t require much, but every step is important to maintain a gorgeous lawn during the cold season. Consider these five helpful tips from Evergreen Lawn Care, leaders in lawn care in Gainesville, FL

Overseed The Area

Achieving a green lawn is easier than ever during the winter thanks to overseeding, which is when you plant a temporary grass for a picture-perfect lawn. Gainesville lawns are ideal for overseeding, unlike South Florida where lawns stay green all year due to warmer temperatures. The most popular option is ryegrass because of its low cost and ability to grow fast in cooler weather. Before planting seeds in the ground, it’s crucial to remove debris from the lawn, rake the dead grass, and mow the lawn. Sprinkle the seeds evenly over bare spots and water frequently until they germinate. 

Aerate The Ground

Typically, aeration is done during the spring or fall months, but it may be needed for winter lawn care if there’s moss growth in areas without direct sunlight, new construction, and/or unusual water pooling. To determine if aeration is needed, a lawn care company in Gainesville, FL, needs to take core samples at least three inches in length that can show soil compaction layers and thatch depth. Thatch is small pieces of dead grass that gather just above the soil, but an excessive amount can keep moisture and air from reaching roots. 

Keep The Lawn Clear

Objects resting on the lawn for long periods of time kill the turf and create ugly, dead patches while giving weeds an opportunity to fester. Before the cold sets in, it’s vital to have a thorough seasonal lawn cleanup (both before and after winter) to declutter the lawn and remove items such as toys, branches, leaves, logs, and furniture. 

Color Your Lawn

We all love the bright green turf on golf courses and football fields — turns out they’re painted to look like that. Those who use turf colorants enjoy a beautiful green lawn all winter long without all the hassle of mowing and watering required for an overseeded lawn. Turf colorants are special dyes and paints safe on grass and the environment — nothing like the traditional paints found at a hardware store. Only use turf colorants designed to dye grass.

Reduce Foot Traffic

During the winter, your lawn is in hibernation. Be kind to it and refrain from walking on the grass, as it can become easily compacted and is more vulnerable to damage. 

Schedule Lawn Care Services 

The lawn care professionals at Evergreen Lawn Care are determined to help you keep your lawn in tiptop shape all year long. Our team crafts a plan tailored to your needs and around your busy schedule. To learn more about our various lawn care packages suitable for every season, or to request a free estimate, contact us today!