Do You Need Lawn Care During Winter Dormancy?
While it may seem like your lawn is taking a nap during winter, it still needs some care to stay in top shape. During winter, warm-season grasses go into dormancy during cold weather, like a state of hibernation. But dormant grass doesn’t mean dead grass. A dormant lawn needs late fall and winter lawn care to protect it from the cold, prevent diseases, and ensure a lush, green lawn when warmer temperatures return in early spring.
Winter Lawn Care Tips for Dormant Grass
Dormancy is a natural process that occurs when the temperature drops, causing grass to slow down its growth. Compared to the active growing season in summer, dormant lawns don’t require as much lawn maintenance, but they are more vulnerable. To care for dormant grass during winter months, remove leaves and debris to prevent disease, promote air circulation, and allow sunlight to reach the lawn. During a very dry winter season, lawns may also need light watering. While the grass is dormant, it won’t recover quickly from stress. Try to avoid excessive foot traffic to prevent compaction. Winter is also a great time for soil testing to check for any lacking nutrients. Limestone applications can be applied during winter months to help balance the pH of the soil.
Winter Weed Control
During early to late fall, pre-emergent weed control can be applied to prevent winter weeds from popping up during dormancy. The grass may go dormant during winter months, but weeds do not! Pesky weeds can be a bright green eyesore in dormant grass, and pre-emergent herbicides are the best way to get ahead of weed control at any time of the year. Weed prevention should be applied in each season of the year to stop weeds from germinating in the soil.
When to Stop Mowing Your Lawn
Knowing when to stop mowing is crucial for winter lawn care. As grass enters dormancy, gradually reduce mowing frequency. When the grass stops actively growing, typically in late fall, you can safely stop mowing for the season. Avoid scalping your lawn or mowing too short in the fall. Mowing too low can leave the grass exposed to harsh winter weather. When it’s time to store your lawn mower for the season, take some time to give it a good cleaning, replace the mower blades, and change the oil. You’ll be happy you did come springtime!
When to Start Spring Lawn Care In Raleigh
Lawns transition out of winter dormancy when spring weather rolls around. As it gets warmer, lawns will slowly green up and begin actively growing again. Spring lawn care is also important to prepare for a successful summer season. During early spring, another round of pre-emergent weed control can be applied to prevent upcoming weeds like crabgrass. Once lawns have started to green up, it’ll be time for spring aeration, fertilization, and mowing to resume.
Professional Lawn Care Services in the Triangle Area
Homeowners in Raleigh looking for help with their lawn can call Eastern Turf Maintenance. We have years of experience caring for North Carolina lawns in the Triangle Area. Our services are designed to maintain a healthy lawn any time of the year. Our skilled technicians know how to care for warm and cool-season grasses in Raleigh. We offer lawn care services including weed control and fertilization, lawn pest control, aeration and overseeding, and mosquito control in the Triangle. Contact us today for a free quote!