One of the best things about February and early March: you can feel the days getting longer. It’s no longer pitch black when you return home at 5 p.m., and that’s something to celebrate. Even though the groundhog saw his shadow, we are thinking spring. Winter is the perfect time to get moving on clean-up and prep work. What should we do for our lawns when the weather is still cold? How can we hit the ground running for spring?
Winter Lawn Care: Take It Easy
Late winter is a time of temperature fluctuations and freeze-and-thaw cycles. Our lawn can go from crunchy and hard to muddy and damp in no time. Be gentle with your lawn to give it a healthy start for spring. If weather permits, you can do a preliminary mow later in February or early March. But don’t over-mow–it could damage delicate grass as it gears up for its spring debut. Limit foot traffic on dormant grass to avoid crushing the blades. Change up walking patterns for people and pets, so you don’t get mushy brown spots.
Winter Lawn Care: Clean-Up Time
Late winter is the perfect time to clean up your lawn and gardens and prepare for spring. February and early March are a time to:
- Clear leaves and debris from your yard, flower beds, and garden.
- Prune trees and shrubs with winter storm damage.
- Trim your winter-hardy ornamental grasses if needed.
- If you planted bulbs last fall, check for any signs of early blooms. Those first crocuses are always a welcome sight.
- Clean and sharpen your tools and lawnmower blades.
- Organize outdoor storage areas.
Winter Lawn Care: Fertilize, Overseed and Prevent Weeds
Winter is prep time when it comes to our lawns. We can take several steps to enrich and prepare our property for the spring growing season.
- February is a perfect time to apply a light fertilizer to nourish your soil for spring.
- If you have bare spots that didn’t take during your fall seeding, try an extra seed application ahead of spring growth.
- Talk with your lawn care service about a pre-emergent herbicide for crabgrass and other weeds.
Year-Round Lawn Support With Epling
We’ve said it before: lawn care goes way beyond mowing. It’s a year-round commitment to creating a beautiful, healthy environment. That’s why hiring a landscaping company that understands your lawn’s needs is vital. Epling Lawn & Landscaping Service has decades of experience in caring for your property throughout the spring, summer, fall–and winter too. Our Complete Lawn Care Program is a popular full-year program focused on nurturing your lawn. Winter is an excellent time to reach out and discuss winter clean-up and prep and start making spring plans. Let’s talk soon.
