In winter, your lawn goes into a dormant phase, a kind of hibernation. But that doesn't mean you can't look after it anymore. With the right preparations, you can ensure your grass emerges healthy and strong again in spring. We're happy to help you with tips and advice for optimal winter lawn care.
The winter sleep of your lawn
When temperatures drop and autumn turns to winter, it's time to prepare your lawn for its winter hibernation. Around late October or early November, you can start the final tasks before the frost sets in. Have you cleared away the leaves, scarified your lawn, given it a final mow, and fertilized for the winter? Then your lawn is ready to rest.
During the winter months, nature comes to a standstill, and that includes your grass. Growth stops, and your lawn becomes more vulnerable to damage. That's why it's important to minimize stress on the grass and avoid walking on it. Every step can break the blades of grass, meaning they need more time to recover in the spring.
Can you mow the lawn in winter?
As soon as the first frost appears, you should stop mowing. During the winter months, the grass should not be taller than four to five centimeters. This height allows the lawn to better withstand the cold without expending too much energy. Maintain this height during the last mowing before the first frost. After that, stop mowing for the time being.
Protecting the lawn against frost and snow
Your lawn is especially vulnerable during frosty periods. Once snow covers the grass, it acts as an insulating layer, protecting it from freezing temperatures and icy winds. While it may be tempting to walk through the snow, it's important to avoid it. Every footstep can potentially cause damage to the grass, which can't repair itself over the winter.
Grass blades are made up of 80% water, and when this water freezes, the blades can break. These breaks lead to yellow-brown footprints or large brown patches in your lawn, which are also susceptible to fungal diseases like snow mold. Therefore, leave the snow alone and minimize the impact on your lawn.
To prevent this, before purchasing a lawn you can consider a type that suits your use and circumstances: a play lawn, ornamental lawn or shade lawn.
Preparations for spring
As soon as the first frost-free days arrive, it's time to prepare your lawn for the growing season. Start fertilizing your grass as soon as the temperature rises. Choose a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to stimulate growth. The more stress your lawn has endured over the winter, the more nutrients it needs now.
First lawn maintenance after winter
After a harsh winter, it's important to give your lawn the right care as soon as the last snow has melted:
- Clean up : Rake up leaves and branches to clean up your lawn.
- Mowing : Mow the grass when the ground is dry enough.
- Scarifying : If there are areas with disease or moss, scarify the lawn to address these problems.
- Fertilizing : Finish by spreading a spring fertilizer to give your grass a good start.
When to mow the lawn for the first time?
The timing of the first mowing after winter depends on the grass height and the temperature. Wait until the temperature is consistently between seven and ten degrees Celsius. This is usually between mid-March and early April. At that point, your lawn is ready for its first trim of the year.
Already prepared with the right battery lawn mower?
Is your lawn mower due for replacement? Then it's a good idea to start researching the best lawn mower for you now. For example, a Stihl battery-powered lawn mower . Battery-powered garden tools are an easy and environmentally friendly solution. Prefer a petrol lawn mower ? Kraakman Garden Machinery is the right place for you.
Good winter care means a blooming lawn in spring
Proper winter care lays the foundation for a healthy lawn in spring. By properly preparing your grass and protecting it against winter conditions, you'll ensure it emerges strong and green again in spring. Looking to buy a lawn mower ? At Kraakman Garden Machinery, you'll find all the tools and products you need to optimally care for your lawn, both in winter and year-round.
