Winter Lawn Tips For Warm Season Grasses

Caring for your lawn is a year-round commitment beyond spring and fall. Winter, in particular, demands attention to safeguard your lawn from the cooler temperatures and ensure its resilience against lawn disease and fungus. Follow these essential winter lawn care practices to maintain a vibrant lawn ready to flourish come spring. For those aiming for the best lawn in the neighborhood, consider contacting us for a free estimate.

Winter Dormancy In Warm Season Lawn

While warm-season grasses may appear lifeless during the colder months with a brown and brittle exterior, it is just dormant. Grass enters a hibernation-like mode to preserve nutrients when soil temperatures drop below 50 degrees. You may see a camouflage pattern during this change, but don't worry; it is not harmful to your grass.

Winter Watering

When your Zoysia lawn is dormant, water it sparingly, only when necessary to prevent degradation. Balancing moisture levels is crucial, providing enough water to safeguard the lawn during its dormant phase.

Winter Mowing

It is important to keep mowing through the fall, and it's best to cut with a sharp blade and keep 2- 3 inches for winter insulation. Proper mowing will help protect the grassroots during the cold temperatures. However, by early October, you can put away the mower for the year because your warm-season grass won't grow much until next spring.

Winter Weeds

Weeds like bittercress and chickweed can thrive in winter, especially in milder climates. Common winter weeds vary in life cycle, including annual, biennial, or perennial. And many can be challenging to control. Winter weeds sprout during the fall and winter, flourishing in the spring. Following their springtime bloom, they wither away, vanishing before the arrival of summer—only to resurface in the fall or winter when fresh seeds take root. Our fall and early winter lawn treatments include pre- and post-emergent applications designed to control invasive winter annual weeds such as poa annua, henbit, and others.

Foot Traffic Impact

If your lawn is frosty, stay off of it! Excessive traffic on frosted grass can lead to spring growth issues. While it won't kill the grass, repeated traffic may distort its growth. Limiting movement over frozen or frosted grass helps maintain its integrity. Homeowners with Fescue lawns should pay close attention to this recommendation. Because Fescue is a clump-style grass, it does not self-repair, so walking on a Fescue lawn may cause longer-term issues.

Professional Lawn Care Assistance

Caring for your lawn in the winter demands special attention to ensure its resilience against the cold and potential diseases. Adhering to essential winter lawn care practices, such as proper watering, mowing, and addressing weed concerns, is crucial for maintaining a vibrant lawn that will thrive in the coming spring. If you're aiming for the best lawn in the neighborhood, consider contacting Turf Masters for a free estimate. Our professional and timely treatments, including pre-and post-emergent weed controls and fertilization, are designed to keep your lawn in optimal condition year-round. With Turf Masters, you receive effective solutions, personalized care, and service that only a local company can provide. Trust us to safeguard your lawn and keep it looking its best every season.