As the temperatures start to drop, it’s essential to know how to best set your lawn up to survive the upcoming cold temperatures. Fertilizer can last through the winter months when applied correctly, but there are a few things you need to know to ensure your lawn is healthy to come springtime.
What is winterizing lawn fertilizer?
Winterizing lawn fertilizer is a type of fertilizer specifically designed for use in late fall, after the last mow. These fertilizers contain higher potassium levels, which helps strengthen roots and promote overall plant health during the colder months.
In addition, many winterizing fertilizers include slow-release nitrogen, allowing for steady nourishment throughout the winter rather than a quick burst of growth that can be damaging in harsh weather conditions. While regular fertilization throughout the year is essential for maintaining a healthy lawn, using a winterizing fertilizer in the fall can give some grasses an extra boost before they go into dormancy.
Winterizing cool season grasses
If you want your cool-season lawn to be lush and green when spring weather starts, it’s essential to winterize it properly before the cold weather sets in. One of the first steps is to apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer to promote vigorous root growth.
Next, remove any excess thatch or dead clippings from the lawn by raking any leaves. Finally, avoid excessive foot traffic on the lawn during the winter, as this can damage delicate grass blades and lead to bare patches in spring.
Most North Texas homeowners do not have cool-season grasses, so this is not a huge issue in our area.
Winterizing warm-season grasses
It is not necessary to winterize warm-season grasses, but many homeowners do choose to winterize their lawns. Warm-season grasses like Bermuda and St. Augustine go dormant during winter, but they will still need some TLC.
One of the key steps for winter care with warm-season grasses is maintaining a consistent mowing schedule until the grass stops growing, typically around mid-autumn. This helps prevent excess buildup of dead leaves and other debris, allowing sunlight and air to reach the roots and keep them healthy over winter.
JC’s Landscaping offers a Spring and Fall Cleanup, which includes mowing, leaf removal, trimming trees and bushes, and applying a lawn winterizer.
It is important to properly fertilize throughout the fall season to provide plant nutrients that will help them survive during dormancy.
Do I need to use a winterizing lawn fertilizer in North Texas?
You do not need to use a winterizing lawn fertilizer in North Texas, but many people do. You should be looking for a fall fertilizer that is high in nitrogen and potassium, but low in phosphorus. This type of fertilizer will keep your grass green for longer as well as help it survive through the long, winter months.
Turfgrasses that are fertilized in fall with a high amount of phosphorus do not handle the cold weather well and do not recover quickly in spring.
What things should I do for my North Texas lawn before winter arrives?
You can do a few things to help your North Texas lawn during the winter months.
- Make sure to mow your lawn regularly during the fall season. As a result, sunlight and air will be able to reach the roots over the winter, preventing the excess buildup of dead leaves and other debris.
- Provide your lawn with nutrients during dormancy by properly fertilizing it throughout the fall.
- Rake any leaves off your lawn to prevent diseases and fungi from spreading.
- Aerate your lawn. For more information, visit our lawn aeration service page.
- Consult a professional landscaper with any questions
Wrapping Up
Taking care of your lawn is important to maintain health and vitality during the colder months. By taking a few simple steps, like mowing regularly and fertilizing throughout the fall season, you can help your lawn stay healthy all winter long!
Contact JC’s Landscaping with any questions you have and to get on our lawn fertilization schedule.
