Top Tips to Help Your Lawn Survive the Winter

Thatch is a layer of dead grass that accumulates on the soil surface, trapping moisture and encouraging fungi like snow mold. Thatch removal, or dethatching, helps prevent this and promotes stronger root growth—an essential factor for winter survival.

How to Dethatch:

• Core Aeration: This method removes small plugs of soil, improving air and water circulation, which also helps break down thatch naturally.
• Vertical Mowing: A vertical mower cuts through the thatch without damaging healthy grass, bringing thatch to the surface for easy removal.

“Dethatching helps lawns breathe, promoting stronger root systems that withstand winter better,” says Roman Mühleck, lawn care expert at AriensCo.

Soil pH affects how well your grass absorbs nutrients. Testing and adjusting your soil pH in late autumn helps ensure your lawn gets the nutrients it needs over winter.

How to Test and Adjust Soil pH:

• Use a soil pH test kit to measure levels in different areas of your lawn.
• Too Acidic? Apply lime to neutralize the pH.
• Too Alkaline? Add organic matter like compost or peat to balance the soil.

Testing and balancing soil pH can make a significant difference in your lawn’s resilience.

Yes, removing weeds in autumn prevents them from competing with your grass for nutrients in spring. Targeting weeds now also takes advantage of their nutrient absorption pattern, which draws herbicides deep into their roots for effective removal.

How to Remove Weeds:

• Pull out weeds manually or use natural options like vinegar spray.
• Continue mowing throughout autumn to limit weed growth, as repeated mowing weakens most winter weeds.

Yes, fallen leaves can block sunlight, trap moisture, and encourage disease. Removing them not only keeps your lawn healthier but also allows it to “breathe” as it enters dormancy.

Options for Leaf Removal:

• Mulching: A mulching mower chops leaves into small pieces, adding natural nutrients back into the soil.
• Raking: For a clean finish, rake the leaves to remove them entirely, which reduces moisture buildup and fungal growth.

Leaving objects like furniture, toys, or garden tools on your lawn over winter can kill grass underneath, leaving bare spots in spring. To avoid this, clear any “junk” from your lawn.

Tips:

• Remove all objects from your lawn, storing them in a garage or shed if possible.
• Rotate items occasionally if storage space is limited to prevent damage to one area.

Dormant grass is more fragile than lush summer grass. Walking on it compacts the soil and can crush grass blades, delaying recovery in spring.

How to Protect Dormant Grass:

• Minimize foot traffic on the lawn, especially during frosty or snowy periods.
• Use a snow blower to keep paths and walkways clear, encouraging visitors to avoid walking on the grass.

Annual plants die off each year and can attract pests if left in the soil. Removing them entirely, including the roots, helps reduce insect infestations.

How to Remove Annuals:

• Pull up all annual plants, including roots, before winter sets in.
• Compost the remains if possible to recycle nutrients back into your soil.

Yes, while perennials may look dead, they are simply going dormant for winter. Mulching perennials protects them from harsh temperatures, especially if you live in an area with little snow cover.

How to Mulch Perennials:

• Trim perennials down to soil level and cover with a few inches of mulch.
• Use shredded leaves, straw, or pine needles to create a protective layer.