The weather in Utah has finally begun to turn after what felt like an endless summer, and before you know it we’ll be smack dab in the dead of the winter season. For those who care for and maintain any kind of landscape on their property, there are a few basic things you’ll want to be doing to prepare your yard and landscape for the cold season, some of which you may already be on top of.
At BioGrass Sod Farms, we’re proud to offer numerous products and resources to help our Salt Lake City clients with these and other landscaping needs. We offer products ranging from topsoil, mulch and compost, plus a number of how-to guides — including several on areas you might be covering this fall, such as our fertilizer guide or our aeration guide. Here are some general recommendations we’re happy to offer on how to prep your landscape for the upcoming winter.
Lawn Mowing Tips
The key question many landscape and yard owners have surrounding mowing in the later fall period is this: When should I mow for the final time? Generally, the answer will surround the first frost of the season, or when the grass has stopped growing.
For most yards in Utah, this will come somewhere between late October and mid-November. During this period of time, stop mowing your lawn as often — many maintenance experts advise no more than once per week during these chilly months — and pay close attention to how quickly or slowly your grass is growing.
When it does come time for the final cut of the year, have your mower blades set to at least 3 inches tall. Doing so will help keep your turf strong and healthy through what can be a hard time for grasses and other plants in the landscape. In addition, if you’re looking to add some color or texture to your yard, this may be the time to add some different types of annuals or perennials depending on what varieties you’re fond of.
Fall Leaf Clean Up
The fall season also ushers in a flurry of leaves changing color and falling from trees, often en masse. While many people enjoy raking or scooping these up, there are actually a few things you can do with these fallen leaves to help preserve moisture and nutrients in your yard, as well as keep pests under control.
For example, if you have hardy trees such as maples or oaks that tend to shed more leaves than other varieties, consider digging out a leaf compost pile somewhere on your property. This allows you to use the leaves as a natural mulch and soil amendment that will not only keep moisture in your grass during the colder months, but actually help improve the quality of your yard’s soil over time. If you have smaller trees where this might be an issue, consider bagging your fallen leaves and adding them to your compost piles or work them into your yard.
And in the event that you’re not looking to compost, be sure to schedule a leaf removal service prior to the first major snowfall of the season, as this will help your lawn emerge from winter healthier and more vibrant than ever.
Lawn Aeration
Another process many Salt Lake City homeowners may not be aware of when it comes to prepping their landscaping for winter is lawn aeration. For those unfamiliar with this task, it involves punching small holes in your lawn with a tool specifically designed for the job. This is done to help improve water and nutrient absorption by your grass, as well as to control certain pests that might be feeding on your turf during the fall and winter months.
Fortunately, this process can be accomplished relatively quickly and doesn’t require much effort on your part. In fact, a number of lawn service companies in Utah offer aeration as an optional service at a set time during the pre-winter months — typically October through November.
Fertilization
One vital task you’ll want to be aware of when prepping your yard for winter is fertilization. This is particularly true if you live in an area where hard winters or frozen soils can be a problem, as fertilizing prior to the first freeze will help keep your grass healthy throughout the colder months and even into spring.
However, it’s important to be aware of what kind of fertilizer you’re applying, as well as when. For example, if you have a predominantly rain-fed yard, using an organic fertilizer like compost is usually the way to go, since these fertilizers tend to degrade much faster than synthetic options. And if you do opt for a synthetic alternative, try to time your fertilizer application around the first frost, as this allows your turf to absorb the maximum amount of nutrients possible prior to winter.
Regardless of which fertilizer you decide to use and when you apply it, be sure to follow any instructions on how much fertilizer to apply in how many square feet (or meters). This will ensure that you’re applying just enough fertilizer, and no more — a vital step in protecting the health of your yard.
Weed Control
Weed control is another important task to consider when prepping your yard for winter. One way to do this is by using a pre-emergent herbicide in the fall, which will help prevent many weed species from germinating and growing in your yard. However, it’s important to be aware that not all pre-emergent herbicides are created equal, so be sure to consult with a professional prior to applying any kind of weed control product.
Another option for controlling weeds during the winter is by using a post-emergent herbicide. This type of herbicide is designed to kill weeds that have already germinated and are actively growing in your yard. While post-emergent herbicides can be effective, they should only be used as a last resort, as they can often damage or even kill the grasses you’re trying to protect. In either case, be sure to read the label carefully and adhere to all instructions prior to using any weed control product. This will ensure that you’re applying the product in the safest and most effective way possible.
For more on how to prepare your landscape for the coming winter, or to learn about any of our topsoil delivery, landscape rock or any of our other landscape products for SLC clients, speak to our team at BioGrass Sod Farms today.