Projects
Prepare Your Lawn for Winter
Project Overview
There are a few tips you should follow when preparing your lawn for winter. Mow grass to a height of 2-1/2 inches and leave clippings on the lawn. This simple step returns at least 25% of the turf's nitrogen back to the soil. Lawns should be put to bed over winter at the same height they are maintained over summer. Taller grass ensures a deeper root. Short grass can make the lawn susceptible to winter damage. Moisten and aerate the lawn. Aeration creates passageways for essential nutrients and worms that contribute valuable microorganisms to your soil. Overseed now for a thicker healthier lawn in spring. Finally, fertilize the lawn. Fall fertilizing gives your lawn the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Scotts Wintercare lawn fertilizer energizes turf, producing a strong and healthy root system and ensuring it emerges greener than ever when spring arrives.
4 Steps
Step 1
Soil Preparation
Rake your lawn to remove any leaves or use a mulching lawn mower to mulch leaves until they are small enough to settle in amongst the blades of grass. It is important that the grass seed makes contact with the soil so dethatching your lawn with a dethatching rake or aerating your lawn is also good at this time. If those options are not available then it's a good idea to rake in a thin layer of enriched soil over your lawn. Don't put so much down that you kill your grass; less than a quarter of an inch is plenty. Scotts® Lawn Soil works well for this purpose.
Step 2
Choosing the Right Seed
What seed you choose depends on where you live and what problem is making your lawn thin in the first place. For instance, if your lawn is shady, choose a shade-tolerant seed. If kids play in your yard, choose a variety that can stand up to foot traffic. The people at your neighborhood Home Depot can help you choose the seed that's right for your lawn.
Step 3
Spreading the Seed
Prepare your lawn by cutting it a little shorter than normal the day before you over seed. Then fill up your spreader and go. Be sure to follow the instructions on your seed bag.
Step 4
Feed and Water
New seed needs to be watered daily — enough to keep the top inch of soil constantly moist. If the soil dries out the seeds may not germinate. You should feed your seeds right away with a product such as Scotts® Turf Builder Wintercare fertilizer. This will fertilize your existing lawn and prepare it for the winter as well as provide the new seedlings with the nutrients that they require. Next spring your lawn will come up greener and healthier with less weeds.
Thank you!
Your quick rate has been submitted.
Please note it may take up to 8 hours for your quick rating to appear.
Sorry we are currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try and resubmit your Quick Rating.
Related Resources
Projects
-
Extend the Life of Your Lawn
Get Started » -
How to Fertilize
Get Started » -
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower
Get Started »
