Lawn turf doesn’t need as much care and attention during winter as it does during the other seasons of the year, but there are still some things you can do to keep it in good condition.
Winter turf care is all about keeping the soil unclogged and
providing nutrients for the grass which they will otherwise struggle to get
during the wet and often icy weather. Follow these tips to keep your lawn turf
healthy during the winter, and ready to starting growing properly again come
springtime.
Aerate Your Lawn Turf
Use a garden fork to aerate your lawn turf
to improve its drainage and prevent it from getting too compacted. Aerating
turf the this way allows more air to get to the root system which keeps it
healthy. The best time to aerate turf is just before the first big frost kicks
in, though do keep an eye out for any compacted areas that could do with extra
aeration throughout the winter.
Fertilise the Grass
Immediately after aerating the lawn is a good time to add
some fertiliser to ensure there are plenty of nutrients in the turf for the
roots to absorb. While the grass won’t actually grow much during the winter,
the root system will store the added nutrients and then use them once the
warmer weather arrives.
Winter Lawn Maintenance
It is a good idea to keep your lawn clean and tidy during
the winter, clearing away any fallen leaves and other debris. Piles of leaves
leftover from autumn can actually suffocate a lawn during winter, as well as
providing the ideal conditions for certain diseases to thrive. The smaller and
drier leaves can be turned into garden mulch
and used as a fertiliser supplement. Also look out for worm casts which are the
little piles of soil digested by earthworms. They are basically soil but can
harden and cause lumps in your turf, so sweep them away when you see them.
Minimise Foot Traffic
While all of the above are excellent tips for keeping your
turf in tip-top condition throughout the winter, it is also important to stay
off the grass as much as possible when not actively caring for it. This is
especially important when the lawn is wet or frosty.
Snow and Ice Advice
Lawns are vulnerable to mould from extended periods spent
under cover of snow or ice, so keep an eye on how long it takes for any
snowfall to melt away. Also avoid clearing pathways of snow by shovelling it
onto the grass. And if you or other household members build a snow figure, look
to clear it away as soon as the fun has been had as the grass underneath it is
in peril.
If you require lawn turf, topsoil or compost for fertilising, then contact
Springbridge via our website or call today on 0845 370
1921 for more information.