This is the perfect time to get your lawn ready for the long winter. I offer the following list of winter preparation activities for you to consider. If you take the time now to do most of them, you will be happy with your healthy lawn next spring and summer.
Thatch: Thatching removes the layer of dead grass that prevents the water and nutrients from getting to the roots of the lawn. Rent a thatcher for this task, or just use a stiff rake and remove the buildup.
Aerate: Aeration allows nutrients, water, and oxygen to get to the roots of the lawn. You can rent an aeration machine to make this project quick and simple. During this process, plugs of soil are pushed up and deposited on top of the lawn. These plugs need to be raked up after aerating.
Over-seed: Go to the local garden center or home store and buy lawn seed. 2-3 pounds per 1000 square feet of lawn should be enough to over-seed most lawns. Your local garden center will also stock for the type of lawn seed that grows in your area.
Top-dress: If your lawn is growing in poor soil, top-dressing is the best way to improve your lawn and soil at the same time. Choose your top-dressing product based on the existing conditions. Choose peat moss or compost if you don’t have drainage issues. Choose sand if you do have drainage problems, Top-dress with ½ inch of selected material every year will improve lawn health and soil conditions.
Fertilize: Your local home and garden center is a good source for advice on appropriate fertilizer for your lawn. They will have a variety of winterizing fertilizers to choose from.
When these tasks are complete, and the fall rains come, you can feel sure that your lawn will build healthy roots during the winter for a healthy lawnnext spring.
