Winter Has Made Its Return…!

A brisk chill in the air, shorter days, and lots of extra clothing layers!

Which means it’s time to get your lawn winter ready. We’ve got all the winter lawn care tips and tricks you’ll ever need to ensure your lawn is fight fit for spring!

Temperatures drop quite significantly during winter, and high amounts of frost occur during this season. The intensity and frequency of these frosts will depend on your area. 

Frost can freeze the blade of the leaf and cause significant discolouration. The amount of discolouration and damage caused by these frosts will largely depend on the turf variety you have. 

For tips on managing frosts this winter, click here!

Your Winter Lawn- What Can You Expect This Season?

During this time increase your mowing height to promote greater leaf exposure to the sun. To further promote sunlight exposure, reduce any surrounding foliage or shade barriers where possible. 

With the growth rate of your lawn slowing down, keep foot traffic to a minimum to reduce the likelihood of damage to the area.

When temperatures begin to rise consistently during the spring time, you can expect your lawn to come out of dormancy and be ready for its next round of fertiliser!

Should You Be Mowing Your Lawn During Winter?

Yes! Your mower can do more than collect dust this winter.

Increase your mowing height to promote greater leaf exposure to any sunlight and nutrients available; thus promoting the health of the plant. 

Ensure when mowing, to use a catcher attachment to prevent grass clippings from building up on the lawn and suffocating any new growth. 

You should reduce the frequency of your mowing schedule due to the reduced growth rate of your lawn during this time.

For more tips check out our Winter Mowing blog.

What About Watering And Fertilising?

Fertilising…

When soil temperatures drop below 14 degrees Celsius consistently, it will result in minimal plant growth; minimal leaf growth in particular. 

Applying the usual Nitrogen predominant fertiliser during these cooler times (winter) will not have the same benefits as when applied in peak season of spring and summer. It is best to fertilise your lawn in Autumn before soil temperatures drop significantly low, or in spring when they begin to rise again. 

Watering…*

It is likely you will not need to water your lawn too much, if at all during winter. 

Switch off your timers and simply water on an as needed basis. 

You will know if your lawn is dry as the leaves will curl, in which case, give it a drink. Otherwise it’s best to leave it be.

*The above recommendations only applies to established lawns. For watering recommendations of newly laid lawns, click here. 

For more information on winter lawn care click here.