It’s been a weird winter in Virginia so far. We started warm and wet and then turned frigid and snowy in the new year. But many of us are already thinking spring and have one big question: what the heck should I do with my lawn this winter? In a nutshell, winter is the time to care for and protect your lawn. It helps to know a little bit about what’s going on with those beautiful blades while we’re spending more time inside.
Does My Grass Still Grow In Winter
Your grass usually takes a growth pause when temperatures regularly drop below 50 degrees. During the winter months, your grass is dormant but not dead. This dormancy usually starts in late October or November in our region but can go as late as December. Heat-loving grasses turn brown (it’s completely normal), while some northern varieties like bluegrass and fescue stay green all winter. But even if your grass turns brown, it’s still very much alive.
Should I Keep Mowing In Winter?
We usually recommend a relatively short mow before the first frost to prevent mold and keep your yard looking tidy. Our final mow of the season usually happens in mid-November, and it’s best to wait until spring to mow again. Cold soil and soggy lawns don’t make for good mowing. However, if we have an extended warm winter in Virginia, you may have a reason to mow. When Mid-Atlantic winters are warm, we also advise looking out for fungus like red thread and pests, including ticks which are becoming a year-round problem in Virginia.
Can I Put Down Grass Seed In Winter?
Early fall is the ideal time to overseed your lawn, so the seeds have time to take root before winter sets in. However, you can reseed any spots where that fall seeding didn’t “take” during the winter months as you prepare for spring. Fertilizing your lawn two or three times each winter is an excellent way to keep new grass seed healthy. Working with a professional team is the way to go when it comes to overseeding and fertilizing. A skilled lawn care team understands when and how to put down seeds and fill in bare patches. They also know the best time to fertilize and which products to use for optimum results.
Year-Round Lawn Care For A Gorgeous Spring and Summer Yard
Once spring arrives, Epling Landscaping and Lawn Service trucks are ubiquitous in Loudoun. We’re mowing, planting, and giving your entire lawn and landscape the best possible attention and care. But did you know we offer year-round lawn care through our Complete Lawn Care program? It features everything you need for a healthy lawn, including:
- Aeration and overseeding
- Topdressing
- Fungicide to prevent brown patches, dollar spots, red thread, and other local diseases.
- Lime treatment to regular soil pH
- Insecticide
- Pre-emergent weed treatment to block pesky weeds like crabgrass before they take hold.
- Fertilizing for the healthiest, lush lawn.
It may not seem like it, but spring is just around the corner. There’s so much you can do now to get ready for a lush and gorgeous lawn. Contact Epling now for winter lawn care needs. We’ll have you rolling into spring with healthy, happy grass.
