Winter means cold weather. Cold weather means snow and ice. Snow and ice means all your hard work and hours spent on your landscape is about to be ruined right when the harsh weather hits, right? Wrong. There are numerous preventative measures you can take in order to save your yard from winter’s extreme weather, and now is the time to start!

1. Mow the Grass Lower

Mowing the grass is the first step, and it prepares your yard for the aeration and fertilizing steps. Having your grass at about 1 to 1 1/2 inches long will allow the following processes to go smoothly.

Photo of a green lawn mower mowing tall grass

2. Aerate the Yard

Aeration is a process that loosens the soil to simply make it easier for fertilizer and water to reach the roots. It is usually done in a criss-crossed path to ensure proper coverage, and fall is the perfect time to have this done. The lawn care professionals at Voss Land and Tree have all the equipment to efficiently aerate your yard and make your turf healthier for the long-run.

3. Fertilize

After you aerate your yard, it is a great time to begin fertilizing. Fertilizing increases the health of your grass by providing the nutrients it needs to grow greener and stronger. Many fertilizers also have potassium in them, which protects the grass from drought and diseases.

4. Over Seeding

Overseeding and aeration are a great pair! Overseeding can increase the density of your yard and can enhance your lawns ability to combat stress, insects, and disease. Overseeding can also fill in the areas in the yard that have thinned out due to damage over the summer.

5. Kill off all Weeds

Completely getting rid of weeds before the winter will make for less trouble when spring rolls around. Killing off the root structures will prevent regrowth when it begins to warm up again, and weeds will no longer take over your beautiful spring landscape.

Photo of dandelions in a yard

6. Rake Regularly

Don’t allow leaves to pile up by raking regularly. Your grass needs sunlight even in the fall in order to store up energy for the winter. Huge amounts of leaves can also damage your lawn and give your landscape a messy appearance.

Leaves left unattended can also contribute to diseases that will last through the winter and regenerate in the warmer months. Although these diseases are usually only applicable to specific types of trees, it is always a good idea to take precautions.

Photo of a lawn covered in colorful leaves

7. Protect Young Trees

Harsh winters can damage newly planted or young trees, so extra steps should be taken to protect them during the cold months. Adding an extra layer of mulch will ensure your tree’s roots are protected and tucked into the ground. A simple way to protect your tree’s trunk would be with a tree guard or tree wrap. These products will protect your young trees from sunscald in the winter as well as small animals and critters who chew on bark.

Don’t be disappointed in your lawn’s shape when spring comes. Set your yard and grass up for success by preparing it for the harsh weather ahead. With the help of professionals at Voss Lawn and Tree, aeration, fertilization and overseeding are simple. They are here to help prepare your yard for winter, so give Voss a call today!