During this last month of the year, you may have much on your mind and your lawn care activities may be the furthest thing from it. However, just because we are in full fledged Winter season, doesn't mean your lawn should be neglected. Maintaining your lawn now will make a huge impact come Springtime.
Winter Clean Up
Don't use the cold weather as an excuse to ignore your lawn. Instead, embrace this season's weather - it means that you only have a limited number of lawn care activities to accomplish, so you can do those few upkeeping tasks fairly quickly and carefully.
Mowing/Mulching
Think of December as a continuation of your lawn care duties from the previous month. Continue mowing your lawn on a regular basis if it needs it. Utilize the mulching mower to clean up any buildup of leaves that your trees have - you'll be able to use the leaf shreddings as organic compost for the lawn.
While a regular lawn mower will get the job done right, it may be easier to use a mulching mower, which can quickly shred leaves so that they filter right into the roots of the turf's roots. The key to mowing is to do it while you can see grass poking up from the leaves.
Mowing is actually quite essential this month as research has shown that frequently mowing can encourage stronger turf root growth. After you mow, leave the grass clippings as compost to feed your lawn nutrients.
During the fall and winter, lawn experts recommend cutting your grass a little higher than usual in order to maintain a deeper root system, which contributes to a healthier lawn. Before you mow your lawn next time, raise the deck height of your mower to a height of at least two inches for warm season grasses and about three to four inches for cool-season grasses. In the more densely shaded areas of your lawn, you should allow the grass to reach an even taller height.
While you are busy preparing for the holidays, take some time to prepare your lawn for the coming winter. Come spring time, you will be glad that you took extra steps to maintain your lawn's health and look.
Taking Care of Weeds
Monitor any signs of weeds growth in your lawn - mowing your lawn regularly can also help prevent weeds from growing again. The worst weed scenario would be dormant weeds that were not spotted until it's too late and well into Springtime. Before you mow your lawn, set your mower blade to a height that will allow grass plants to pull out the weeds that are now weakened. Weeds compete with your lawn and other desired plants for nutrients, water, and light.
Take a good, careful look at your lawn and check that plants, trees, shrubs, and flowers (especially newly seeded plants and lawns) are still standing and assess if they are able to survive through Winter. Work on reinforcing any weak or tilting plants.
Watering
Winter damage occurs when your plants are dry and breaking. Watering your plants and lawn during dry times are highly recommended to keep them from drying out.
Taking the extra effort to care for your lawn this month will pay off by the time Spring rolls around. By paying attention to your lawn now, you can avoid a weed overgrowth or even a lawn disease in the next couple of months. Continue to watch over your lawn, and mow and water when necessary.
Author Resource:-
Fran Phalin is a freelance editor and writer specializing in home improvement topics. She is based in Austin, TX.
For lawn care services this winter season, whether for sprucing up your lawn, composting, or other lawn care service, please contact ABC Pest and Lawn. Visit them at www.abcpest.com.
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