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The blustery winds and falling temperatures are a sure sign that the most challenging Midwest season is upon us. Winter has arrived, and with it comes the all-important prepping your home for the cold weather. Make time to prepare your lawn for the harsh winter by doing a few things now that will protect your investment and keep your landscape in peak health. We promise you will thank us in the spring!
First, rake all of the leaves and remove any debris from your lawn. Leaving these items on your grass all winter will stunt its growth or kill it altogether. Once the leaves are removed, mow your lawn. Cut the grass to 2-2.5 inches, shorter than during the growing season; the short length of the grass will protect new growth and minimize the lawn serving as a feeding ground for pests.
Next, make sure to aerate your lawn to break up the dry, compacted soil and allow water and nutrients to reach the roots. This will bring your yard back with more vitality in the spring. If you have some bare patches on your lawn, fill those patches by overseeding before winter. Winter is also the time to fertilize, which will give your grass nutrients to draw upon as soon as the weather starts to warm.
Your annuals and bushes also need some care before winter. Take time to remove dead or unhealthy plants from your garden beds to reduce the risk of disease spreading to healthy plants. Once temperatures hit freezing, cut back the stems of your perennials to about an inch or two from the ground. Winter is a great time to prune, right before the spring growing season.
Additionally, consider adding mulch around trees, plants, and shrubs as a layer of protection in winter. The mulch will act as a barrier and keep the temperature of your beds even throughout the winter and protect plant roots from frost.
Finally, if you have a sprinkler system, prevent costly repairs by winterizing it before the first freeze. Use compressed air to remove all water and moisture from your system, preventing the possibility of freezing and damage over the winter. Reach out to a professional if you need help with this.
A few hours of prep for winter, and you and your yard will reap massive rewards in the spring. Your yard and landscape will survive the winter and come back better than ever for the growing season!
Count on Arctic Green Landscape and Design if you need help with your snow removal needs this winter. We are a third-generation professional landscape, maintenance, and design company with more than 20 years of experience within the industry. We offer commercial and residential property services, including snow plowing, snow removal, snow clearing, roof snow removal, and salting for residential and commercial properties. We'll make sure to get the job done right! Call us today at 231-631-5595 or get a free estimate on our website.
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