Blog Essential Tips for Preparing Your Lawn for Winter Dormancy Jul 16, 2025

As the seasons change and temperatures drop, it's crucial to prepare your lawn for winter dormancy. Earth First Turf, LLC, is here to guide you through the essential steps to ensure your turf remains healthy and vibrant come spring. By dedicating a little time and effort before winter sets in, you can protect your lawn against the harsh elements and facilitate a robust regrowth. Here’s how to do it.

Firstly, adjust your mowing strategy. As the growing season winds down, it's important to gradually lower the cutting height of your mower. Keep in mind that the ideal length for grass before winter dormancy is about two to two and a half inches. This length helps protect the grass blades from disease and damage caused by snow cover. Longer grass tends to mat under heavy snow, which can lead to winter diseases, while grass that is too short won't be able to absorb enough sunlight to maintain a healthy root system.

Next, focus on aeration. Fall is an ideal time to aerate your lawn, allowing oxygen, water, and nutrients to penetrate deep into the soil. Aeration helps reduce soil compaction, allowing roots to expand and grow stronger. After aerating, it's an excellent opportunity to overseed your lawn. Overseeding introduces new grass varieties that are more resistant to drought, diseases, and pests, ensuring a thicker, more resilient lawn in the long run.

Fertilization is another critical step in preparing your lawn for winter dormancy. Applying a slow-release winterizing fertilizer will give your lawn the nutrients it needs to survive the winter months and promote a quick green-up when spring arrives. Look for a fertilizer that is high in potassium and phosphorus to strengthen roots and improve cold resistance. Be sure to follow the application instructions carefully to avoid over-fertilizing.

Don't overlook the importance of fall cleanup. Removing leaves, debris, and dead grass is vital to prevent mold and pests from taking hold in your lawn over the winter. A clean lawn ensures that your grass is less susceptible to fungal diseases that thrive under debris in the colder months. Raking and clearing your lawn also help improve sunlight exposure and air circulation, both of which are essential for healthy turf.

Watering is still necessary, albeit in moderation. Your lawn requires about an inch of water per week. However, as temperatures continue to drop, reduce the frequency while keeping an eye on rainfall. Proper hydration is key for root health through the winter. As freezing temperatures approach, disconnect hoses and winterize your irrigation system to prevent damage.

To conclude your winter lawn care routine, consider applying a pre-emergent herbicide if your lawn struggles with winter weeds. This step can help minimize the occurrence of unwanted weeds come spring, providing you with a head start on lawn maintenance.

Preparing your lawn for winter dormancy need not be stressful. By following these essential tips from Earth First Turf, LLC, you'll enhance your lawn’s resilience, ensuring it emerges healthy and green next season. With a little forethought and regular maintenance, your lawn will be well-positioned to weather the colder months and flourish in the upcoming spring. Let us assist you in creating the lush, exquisite lawn you’ve always envisioned.