{"id":20154,"date":"2022-11-25T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-25T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/?p=20154"},"modified":"2023-02-01T20:40:01","modified_gmt":"2023-02-01T20:40:01","slug":"prepare-lawn-for-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/prepare-lawn-for-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"How to prepare your lawn for winter \u2014 a step-by-step plan "},"content":{"rendered":"

Winter means many things: shorter days and longer nights, sitting by the fire, sweaters, box sets, and \u2014 let’s face it \u2014 general cosiness. And, of course, there’s the run-up to Christmas and all that goes with it. But never forget: preparing your lawn for winter is a great way to sign off at the end of the year. <\/p>

Once winter sets in, there’s not much to do until spring. But before you enjoy that well-earned rest, there are six essential tasks to complete for <\/p>

 a healthier turf come spring. <\/p>

This article is about preparing your lawn for winter, with a checklist of tasks that makes everything simple and straightforward. <\/p>

Ready?<\/p>

Preparing your lawn for winter: the checklist<\/h2>
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Your winter lawn checklist – Photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

These are the tasks to complete before winter. You might have already done some of these, so win-win. \ud83d\ude09<\/p>

  1. The final cutting<\/li>\n\n
  2. Fertilising<\/li>\n\n
  3. Scarifying and\/or aerating (if you haven’t already done it)<\/li>\n\n
  4. Overseeding<\/li>\n\n
  5. Remove fallen leaves and branches <\/li>\n\n
  6. Store your garden furniture<\/li><\/ol>

    The importance of preparing your lawn for winter<\/h2>

    Grass plants go dormant over the winter \u2014 this means the grass blades no longer grow, and the main functions of growth close down for the cold season. <\/p>

    This puts an unhealthy lawn at risk of weeds, fungi, and moss, all of which rather enjoy the winter.<\/p>

    The big problems with a winter lawn <\/h3>
    \"A
    Winter can mean fungi – Photo by Vi Tran<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

    If bald spots are left over from the heavy use of summer, weeds will take advantage of the clear earth. <\/p>

    If the soil is compacted and soggy, moss and fungi will happily embed into your turf. <\/p>

    And once these problems occur, they require some substantial solutions come spring. <\/p>

    So, preparing your lawn for winter means your turf approaches the cold season with the best possible chance of emerging beautifully come spring.  <\/p>

    What is the best moment to prepare your lawn for winter?<\/h2>

    It depends on the weather \u2014 it may already be too late for scarifying and overseeding. However, most regions of the UK have been fairly mild so far, so chances are, it’s OK to go ahead. <\/p>

    Because:<\/p>

    Scarifying temporarily damages your grass plants. But this damage is beneficial because it triggers a growth hormone that makes your grass plants grow back more healthily than before. <\/p>

    However: <\/p>

    Your grass stops growing after the soil has dropped below 5\u00baC. Remember: air and soil temperatures differ \u2014 the earth holds heat much longer than the air. <\/p>

    So, use a soil thermometer and gauge the soil temperature. If it\u2019s nearing 5\u00baC, leave scarifying till spring when it\u2019s warmed up again. <\/p>

    How do I prepare my lawn for winter? 6 simple steps<\/h2>

    You might not have to complete all of these tasks. Check through and see which ones are appropriate for your lawn. <\/p>

    Preparing your lawn for winter: step 1 – the final mow<\/h2>
    \"Lawn
    The final mow of the year – Photo by Daniel Watson<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

    You can schedule the last mowing of the year when the weather is heading towards a constant 5\u00baC (or lower). If it’s still too warm, your grass will continue to grow, defeating the object of the final mow. <\/p>

    When the time is right, mow your lawn to a minimum of 6 inches. If you leave it longer, the frozen stalks could snap if you tread on your frozen lawn. If you cut it too short, weeds, moss, and fungi will have a field day. <\/p>

    Make sure you use your grass collector for this final mowing of the year \u2014 leaving clippings will keep the soil soggy and attract moss and weeds. <\/p>

    \n\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t
    <\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t
    \n\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
    <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\tLawn doctor Louis says:\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\tClean your mower before you store it for the winter. Sharpen the blades and clean dried mud and grass from the underside. Then, store it in a dry place till spring.\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>

    Preparing your lawn for winter: step 2 \u2014 fertilise<\/h2>

    After the final mow, sprinkle a high-potassium fertiliser<\/a>, like MOOWY\u2019s 2-in-1 moss killer and fertiliser<\/a>. This increases the salt content of your grass plants, which lowers the freezing point and prevents damage from use when the ground is frozen.<\/p>

    Use a low-nitrogen fertiliser to avoid a last-minute growth spurt. <\/p>

    \n\t
    \n\t\t
    \n\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\tThe best low-nitrogen fertiliser for winter\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\"Front\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t
    \n\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\tThe best low-nitrogen fertiliser for winter\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\tIron Sulphate Lawn Fertiliser\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t