Just as a strong partnership between Turf Professors and homeowners is the foundation of successful lawn care, our dedication to your lawn's health remains unwavering throughout the winter months. While we provide top-quality products and expert guidance, your commitment to proper lawn maintenance is essential, even in the colder seasons. As winter arrives and temperatures drop, understanding the essentials of winter lawn care becomes crucial. Explore our expert tips below to protect your lawn from winter's challenges and ensure its resilience during the colder months.

Preventing Cold Weather Lawn Damage:
When frost or snow is either present or forecasted, it's essential to avoid any foot traffic or activities on your lawn. During freezing temperatures, the grass blades become exceptionally fragile and can easily shatter when subjected to foot traffic.

Ice Melt Risks and Precautions: 
Your safety is our top priority, so if you choose to use ice melt or salt on driveways and sidewalks, please don't hesitate to do so. However, it's crucial to be aware that the salt you're spreading is highly concentrated nitrogen. When the snow melts, it can carry this salt into your lawn, potentially causing nitrogen burns and even plant death.

Winter Leaf Removal: 
For the easiest and most efficient leaf removal from your lawn, consider using a leaf blower if you still have a few leaves hanging around. It's the gentlest method to minimize potential lawn damage. Remember, it's crucial to remove every single leaf because, during winter, leaves left on the lawn can gradually work their way into the grass. By spring, all that remains in those spots will be bare patches of dirt.

Winterize Your Irrigation System: 
By mid-December, your irrigation system should be shut down. If you haven't had the opportunity to winterize your system yet, please don't delay. Contact an irrigation contractor as soon as possible before freezing temperatures set in, potentially causing damage to your system. If you don't have an irrigation system, remember to collect your sprinklers, drain your garden hoses, and store them in a warm, dry place over winter to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.

Should I Mow My Lawn One More Time?
As we approach mid-December, I strongly advise against mowing your lawn at this stage. The combination of overnight lows dipping into the 20s, soft ground, and the potential for upcoming winter weather makes it not worth the risk. Additionally, the excess foot traffic and the risk of soil compaction further underscore why it's best to leave your lawn undisturbed during this time. By now, your lawn should already be mowed down to no less than 3 inches, ensuring it's adequately prepared for the winter months.

 

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If you have any questions or concerns about your lawn, please don't hesitate to contact us. Whether you are currently a customer or not, we are here to help answer any lawn care questions you may have. Proper lawn care practices are essential for creating healthy, attractive, and sustainable lawns in the greater Richmond area. Being responsible environmental stewards is at the core of our business model at Turf Professors. We believe in supporting our community with expert advice and services to foster lush, eco-friendly landscapes.