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4 Lawn Mistakes to Avoid This Winter
And just like that, it’s 2025. People everywhere are setting goals and making plans on how to achieve them. Maybe your new year's resolution is to have the best lawn on the block. If that’s the case, you've come to the right place. Now is a time when most people don't think about their lawns. This is a mistake. Actions in the winter lead to healthier lawns in the Spring. And we all want a great, green yard come April. If this is your goal, here are 4 common lawn mistakes to avoid this winter.
Lack of weed management
If left unchecked, aggressive winter weeds can outcompete areas in your lawn, which is a setback if your goal is a healthy lawn in spring. Preventing and killing weeds is our biggest priority. This is because while the weeds are actively growing, your grass is not. So don’t wait to treat your weeds. Stay ahead of the curve and manage them while there are fewer to account for.
Overwatering
Overwatering can be detrimental at any time of year. However, overwatering in winter has consequences that can often be overlooked until spring green up. Root rot is a common consequence of overwatering and leads to thinning and bare spots in your yard. To avoid root rot, be sure to turn off your irrigation in the winter. Regular rainfall should be enough to sustain your lawn. In periods of drought, running the irrigation 1x a week will be plenty. If there is a freeze, turn off and winterize your irrigation system. More information on how to do this can be found in last month's newsletter.
Mowing during Dormancy
Large mowers commonly used by crews often tear small ruts and divots into yards. Although this happens year-round, damage is exacerbated during the winter because the grass is not actively growing. Thus, the best thing to do is not mow. Due to dormancy, growth is slow. Keeping heavy mowing equipment off your yard week after week will reduce stress on your currently winter stressed lawn.
Aggressive Leaf Blowing
With leaves falling, it's easy to understand the desire to clean up. This is a part of maintaining the appearance of your lawn. However, weekly clean up with a leaf blower is not necessary. Using a leaf blower repetitively and aggressively in the lawn can create new or compound on pre-existing weak spots. Especially when used aggressively. This is because the high power of leaf blowers often causes more than just leaves to move from your yard. It also moves the top layer of soil which takes vital nutrients with it. Pre-existing shade spots are particularly at risk for worsening when excessive leaf blowing practices are active.
Brandon Spiteri
O: 281-375-5100
Fertileearthtexas.com
Avoiding these mistakes will put your lawn ahead of your neighbors come Spring. So take the steps now to have the nicest yard you can this year. If you'd like expert advice and care, give Fertile Earth a call at 281-375-5100.
Happy New Years from the Fertile Earth Team!
