Transitioning Your Lawn Into Winter: An Organized Approach
If you’re planning on preparing your lawn for winter, it’s time to get started. Mid to late October (yes – last week!) is a great time to get your lawn in shape, if you want to groom it for the colder temps of the coming winter season. We’ve organized a few guidelines for a smooth transition. I may live in a condo in Washington, DC, but I really missing having a green yard to take care of. For those of you have an outdoor space to tend to, this post is for you!
Summer can be harsh on your lawn and depending on how yours fared, you will want to take precautions as seasons change to prolong the gorgeous green of summer, while getting your lawn ready for winter. Depending on where you live, you may already see signs of your lawn going dormant. Prevent browning by overseeding about two weeks before the first frost is predicted.
Locate and over-seed any bare patches on your lawn. Weeds are at a minimum this time of year, so seeds have less competition and will germinate quickly, allowing your lawn to fill in before the soil freezes. For larger bare spots, you can cut sod to fit for immediate gratification. Be sure to water sod daily for at least a week to help it take root.
Cool season grasses (including bluegrass, rye, and fescue) require fertilizer throughout the fall, as your climate dictates. Aerate before fertilizing for the best penetration of nutrients to your lawns root system and buy winterizing fertilizer for your lawn when you’re ready for your final application of the season. Cooler season grasses can require light watering, but they typically receive sufficient moisture from rain and snow.
After a long summer, soil can be significantly more workable than it will be in the early spring. Add a border of shrubs to your garden that will take root over the winter, and show your landscaping some love. If you have color beds, clear out your spent summer annuals, and plant your cool-weather annuals this month. Add a balanced slow-release fertilizer to the bed before planting. You haven’t missed the window for mustard seeds, turnips or lettuces for your fall garden, too.
Early fall is also a perfect time for mulching. Compost your grass clippings and all those leave that fall from now through November. They’ll come in handy for vegetable gardens and can be stored for landscaping projects next spring.
If your plans for next Spring include a revamp of your garden, use the upcoming winter to organize, prepare… and dream! Brainstorm how you want to use the space you have so you and your family can take full advantage of your property’s features.
Have you prepared and protected your lawn and garden for the coming cold weather? If not, what are you waiting for? Tell us about your space and what you’d like it to become, and share your best tips for a healthy autumn landscape… we want to hear from you!
Written by Scott Roewer
Certified Professional Organizer®, Scott Roewer is founder of The Organizing Agency, a professional organization and productivity company devoted to teaching residential and business clients how to increase productivity, save money, and how to live a more organized and abundant life.
An award winning company, in 2013, The Organizing Agency was once again awarded the Angie’s List Super Service award, in 2012 the National Association of Professional Organizers recognized Scott with its top honor, the Founders’ Award, and later the same year, the U.S. Air Force commended his volunteerism, naming him Joint Base Andrews “Hometown Hero.” For more information on Scott’s team and how they can help you, contact the office online or call us directly at 202-249-8330.