It’s time to winterise your lawn!

It’s time to winterise your lawn!: The weather is getting colder and it reminds us that it must be time to turn our thoughts to preparing our lawns for the winter.

The Lawn Association team know that for the healthiest lawns, there are always jobs that can be carried out no matter what the season.  David Hedges Gower, the chairman of the Lawn Association, offers suggestions below on how to look after your lawn at this time of year.

Preparing for Winter – If It Ever Arrives!

Barmy degrees at the end of November—who’d have thought? I’ve seen many a gardener in short sleeves, hard at work well into December. Our autumns and winters are clearly changing, and with them, our gardening habits. But there’s a challenge in this shift.

TV shows and magazines often suggest our gardens shut down over winter. So what are we supposed to do with a warm spell in November—get out the deck chairs? And grass? It’s often overlooked, yet it never really stops growing. In fact, winter preparation and a bit of care during the coldest months can make all the difference for your lawn.

Many plants and shrubs go dormant for winter, so we cut them back and protect the vulnerable ones from frost, calling it a day. But grass is different. Your lawn consists of millions of individual plants, each with a delicate root system. If you think about it, you’d want to throw a thermal blanket over it at the first sign of frost!

Fortunately, no need for such drastic measures. Grass may be small and delicate, but it can survive even tough winters with a bit of support.  In fact, I believe a lawn’s appearance mid-winter is a true measure of good lawn care. It’s easy to make grass look lush in summer with a little fertilizer, sunshine, and regular mowing. Real lawn care, though, is year-round. This season, here are a few simple steps to get your lawn ready for winter—if it ever comes:

• Aerate if conditions are good. Hollow-tine aeration is ideal, and don’t forget to clear up those cores. You don’t need to fill the holes—they’ll help moisture move through the soil.
• Apply ferrous sulphate sometime over the next few months. It will lock in valuable nutrients, strengthen the turf, and deter moss.
• Keep mowingif the grass is growing. Just make sure the blades are sharp, and don’t cut too short; your lawn will actually benefit.
• Continue edging, shaping, and tidying. Use turf rather than seeds for repairs for faster results.
• Remove fallen leaves. Leaves create a warm, damp environment that can encourage diseases and dead patches. While you’re at it, inspect any overhanging trees and shrubs, and prune them back to help those struggling shady areas.

And finally, when sub-zero temperatures do arrive, avoid walking on a frosty lawn. You’ll only bruise the grass. Instead, make a cup of tea, sit by the fire, and review last year’s lawn care, planning any tweaks for next season.

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