As summer fades into fall and the temperatures begin to dip, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your warm-season lawn for the winter. Warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda and Zoysia, thrive in the sun-drenched climates of the South and Southeast. However, these grass types also require specific care practices to ensure they survive the colder months and reemerge healthy and lush in the spring. Here’s your comprehensive guide to getting your lawn winter-ready.
Step 1: Aerate Your Lawn
For warm-season grasses, the optimal time to aerate is mid to late spring. However, if you missed the spring window, fall serves as a suitable second chance, particularly in the early fall. Aerating your lawn involves creating tiny holes in its surface, allowing for the easy penetration of air, water, and nutrients straight to the grass roots. Aerating your lawn alleviates soil compaction and promotes root growth, leading to a robust and thriving lawn.
Step 2: Apply Fertilizer
Fall is a great time to fertilize your lawn, but it’s important to choose the right fertilizer. The aim is to promote root growth and store nutrients for the winter. Look for a fertilizer high in potassium and lower in nitrogen. Potassium helps with root development and disease resistance, while too much nitrogen can stimulate top growth at the expense of root development.
Step 3: Continue to Water
While your watering routine will change with the cooler weather, it’s important not to stop watering your lawn entirely. Once your warm-season grass enters dormancy, you can reduce your watering schedule. The goal is to keep the roots hydrated without overwatering. This may mean watering once a week, or even less if your region gets winter rain.
Step 4: Mow Correctly
As fall sets in and your lawn begins to slow its growth, continue mowing as long as your grass is actively growing. A consistent mowing routine helps keep your lawn healthy and well-prepared for the colder months — but this is not the time for drastic changes. For warm-season grasses like Bermuda and zoysia, keep mowing at 1.5 inches, which is the recommended height year-round.
Some homeowners and lawn professionals choose to lower the mowing height slightly to around 1 inch just before or after dormancy, but this is optional. Maintaining a consistent height of 1.5 inches simplifies your routine and helps protect your lawn from stress.
Avoid scalping your grass, as it still needs some leaf surface to continue limited photosynthesis and store energy for the winter. Proper mowing at the correct height reduces the risk of winter diseases and sets your lawn up for a healthier spring green-up.
Step 5: Control Weeds
Weed control is an essential part of winter preparation. Apply a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent winter weeds from sprouting. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully to avoid damaging your lawn.
Step 6: Protect Against Frost
When frost is expected, make sure to stop all watering and give your grass a chance to dry out. Wet grass can freeze and cause damage to the individual blades. If heavy frost does occur, avoid walking on the grass as this can also damage the turf.
Winterizing your warm-season lawn is a crucial part of overall lawn care. With some careful preparation in the fall, your lawn can weather the winter and be ready to return to its green glory in the spring. Remember that every lawn is different, so adjust these tips as necessary to accommodate your specific grass type and local climate conditions. With the right care, you can enjoy a beautiful, healthy lawn all year round.
Questions?
At NG Turf, we are dedicated to providing you with the knowledge and resources to keep your lawn looking its best. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Turfgrass Professionals at 770.832.8608 or info@NGTurf.com.
