Preparing Your Lawn for Winter in Utah

Winter in Utah can prove challenging for your lawn, with cold temperatures, snow, and the dry air all taking a toll. To ensure your lawn thrives and is ready for spring preparation is key. Here are some helpful steps to take in preparing your lawn for the Utah winters.

Aerate the Soil

Soil compaction is a common issue here in Utah especially in areas with heavy clay soils. Aerating your lawn allows water, nutrients, and oxygen to penetrate deeper into the ground which in turns make it easier for the roots to access those resources. Fall is the best time to aerate because it gives your lawn a chance to recover before it freezes in the winter. 

Water Properly

Here in Utah winters can be dry even when the temperature drops. Your lawn still requires watering in the fall, especially if the season has been dry. Watering deeply and infrequently encourages growth from your roots. A well-hydrated lawn going into the cold dry winter is more likely to survive and bounce back in the spring.

Fertilization

Applying a winterizing fertilizer in late October to early November gives the lawn essential nutrients for root development. Lawn Doctor offers aeration winterizing fertilizer with high potassium content which strengthens roots and improves the grass tolerance to the cold. This is a key step in ensuring your lawn has the nutrients it needs to survive the winter and even green up faster in the spring.

Weed and Pest Control

Weeds can still grow in the fall and return stronger in the spring if left untreated. A pre-emergent will help prevent winter weeds while spot spraying existing weeds will keep your lawn in check. Ensure that you check for pests such as grubs, which can damage the roots in your lawn. Treating and checking your lawn for pests in the fall can prevent infestations when the temperatures warm up.

Seeding

If your lawn has dead patches or thin areas, fall is the ideal time for seeding. This will help thicken up your lawn before and after winter. Seeding in the fall allows the opportunity to get new growth in to help start the strong foundation when it bounces back in the spring. Fall seedings actually show most growth the following spring after the winter season. When you seed during the fall most of the lawn growth happens in the spring because the seed goes dormant during the cold temperatures.

By following these helpful steps you can sure that your lawn is well-prepared to survive Utah’s cold and harsh winters. Proper lawn care in the fall will lead to a healthier more green lawn in the spring, allowing you to enjoy a lush yard once winter is over.