Once the temperature starts to dip, your trees look bare and your grass grows slower, it can be tempting to take a break from your regular lawn care. However, a little effort over the cooler months will go a long way to setting you up for a successful summer season.
Whether you’re on a job or just keeping your backyard tidy, we’ve put together some tips to answer these commonly asked winter lawn questions and help you achieve lush, healthy lawns all year round.
Our first tip is to mow less! Your lawn will start to grow slower as the temperature dips, so you can get away with mowing every 3-4 weeks rather than every 1-2.
Letting your grass grow a bit taller allows for better photosynthesis, which is important as there is less available sunlight throughout winter. Taller grass can also help with weed management. Hustler’s range of zero turn mowers can be adjusted to different heights so you can mow your lawn to the right length.
Your lawn may go dormant over winter, but your weeds will continue to grow throughout the season. That’s why it’s important to ensure you are keeping on top of your weeds and spraying when needed.
Winter is the perfect time to put some extra effort into servicing and maintaining your lawn equipment. Deep clean your mower, sharpen the blades, and remove any lawn debris or grass clippings. This will help to keep your equipment working well and looking great for years to come.
Aerating your lawn during winter is a great way to stop soil compaction, let nutrients into your soil, and prepare your lawn for new growth come spring.
The type of fertiliser you use to help your grass grow in summer is different to the one you should use in winter. Look for fertilisers rich in iron and potassium to strengthen the lawn so it grows back thick and healthy when the days warm up.
Grubs typically spend winter semi-dormant under the soil until they’re ready to resurface in spring. Over winter they are a risk to your lawn as they can damage roots and the health of your soil. Keeping your lawn clear of leaf piles, tall grass, and wood piles can help to prevent the spread of grubs. You can also find insecticides and pesticides to control creepy crawlies living in your lawn.
Winter frost can damage blades of grass, causing them to discolour. A quick five minute water in the morning can help to melt the frost and limit any damage to the lawn. Be careful not to overwater, as winter lawns can easily become waterlogged.
Take this opportunity to tidy up the rest of your garden too! Pruning your plants will prepare them for new growth in spring.
Towards the end of winter you should begin prepping for spring and the warmer weather. If you haven’t already, aerate your lawn and use a high quality fertiliser. You can also sprinkle some grass seeds to give your lawns the best chance for the new season.
Following these 10 tips will set you up for healthy lawns all year round! View our full range of zero turn mowers to find the right products for you or head instore to your closest Hustler dealer to find out more.
