With winter officially right around the corner, let Archer Services give you some free winterization advice on properly maintaining your yard during the colder months. There are a few steps so make sure to hit the like button to keep this saved!
Winterization Step 1. Clean Up
Like anything else, you will want to begin with a clean slate. Start by raking and removing debris. Leaves and debris can stunt the growth of new grass, or worse, kill it. Next, you are going to want to cut the grass short, and we mean short. Your grass should be between 2-2.5 inches, allowing for the protection of new growth and minimizing the lawn serving as a feeding ground for pests.
Winterization Step 2. Aeration
You will want to aerate your turf to allow water, oxygen, and fertilizer easier access to roots deep within the ground. You are going to want to do this in tandem with the fertilization process wherein you can give your lawn the essentials it needs to survive its winter hibernation. Fertilization is a key component in ensuring your turf is prepared for the winter season. A mid to late-fall fertilization means your turf will be nutrient-rich going into the winter season. The resulting root growth will help your grass not only survive the colder winter months but also have a healthy start next spring. Lucky for you Houston stays in fall mode for longer than the more northern counties.
Winterization Step 3. Repeat Step 1 Often
It is important to consistently remove fallen leaves on your property. If leaves are left untouched on your property, the grass beneath will not be able to receive the sunlight it needs to remain healthy and resist disease. Taking the time to remove spent plants and debris will reduce the risk of disease and insects spreading to healthy plants. This “out with the old and in with the new” approach also works to keep your property looking fresh all season long.
Winterization Step 4. Lay Mulch
You can protect your trees, shrubs, and plants from the harsh winter weather by adding a layer of mulch or pine straw to your landscape in the fall. By acting as a barrier, the mulch works to keep the temperature of your beds even throughout the winter which actively protects your plants’ roots from frost and helps them retain moisture. Mulching is an important control for erosion and loss of water. A 2-inch layer of mulch will reduce water loss and help maintain uniform soil temperature around the roots. (Side Note: For the younger trees, make sure to place a wire mesh around their base. This will protect from the gnawing teeth of roaming wildlife.)
Winterization Step 5. Winterize Your Irrigation System
If you take the time to have your irrigation system properly winterized in the fall you can save yourself from costly repairs, come spring. A trained irrigation service professional can run through a pre-winter checklist to ensure that your system is prepared for the colder temps.
Winterization Step 6. Prepare for Snow
We say this unironically too. After last year’s freeze, we want you to be prepared.… When the snow inevitably arrives, it will pay to be prepared. Setting up a relationship with a company that provides snow and ice removal services prior to the winter weather will ensure that you have a reliable company at your beck and call once the snow and ice finally hits. This little bit of planning will give you peace of mind in knowing that your property will be safely maintained. (Side Note: The salt you might have laid down to melt the ice could also be robbing your plants and trees of their nutrients by drawing water away from the roots. Get rid of that extra salt by flushing out the soil with plenty of water.)
Winterization Step 7. Take a break
You’ve earned this one. Make sure to take a nice breather after all this hard work.
Questions?
Still, have some questions regarding Winterization? No problem! Contact Archer Services now for all of your landscaping needs!
