September has hit Edmonton which unfortunately means frost and snow are not too far off. As any Edmonton lawn keeper knows, we could see a sunny day one day followed by snow the next! We spend so very little time in our yards during the winter, mostly because it’s frozen and covered in snow. Taking care of our winter lawns is likely a secondary thought when dealing with the hustle and bustle of winter celebrations. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you want a healthy winter lawn.
CLEAN UP YOUR YARD
If proper clean up isn’t done before the cold season, your lawn will struggle to thrive next year. When summer comes around again, as it always does, you want your lawn to be set up for success. Make sure to clean up any debris from the summer months including toys, tools, sticks etc. Having a clean canvas is the best way to protect your lawn once the snow starts to fall.
RAKE
Raking may seem like such a simple task when it comes to maintaining your lawn, but it’s actually quite important. Raking the dead, fallen leaves from autumn helps aid in the cleanup process. Raking is a great way to prepare your lawn before seeding. A layer of lawn debris can trap heat and moisture underneath the snow, causing a lawn disease called snow mold which creates minor lawn damage.
KEEP OFF THE GRASS
Grass is relatively resilient, but it will have a difficult time recovering if a path becomes worn across the lawn. When the snow starts to cover or the ground freezes it is a good idea to keep people and vehicles off your lawn. By keeping walkways and sidewalks clear of ice and snow, guests will be more likely to stay off your snowy lawn. Repeated walking or driving over frozen lawns can kill turfgrass crowns, which leads to spring bare spots.
Does it appear like the grass is always greener on the other side? Are your lawn care tips for the winter not working? It may be time to leave it to the professionals. At Earth and Turf we are happy to offer tips and advice to help you keep your lawn and property in the best state!