Colorado Arborists and Lawn Care Professionals
It is important to remember that your lawn needs care in the fall and winter months as well as the spring and summer months. To give your lawn the best head start in the spring and looking healthy in the summer please see the monthly tips below provided by the Colorado Arborists and Lawn Care Professional of Colorado.
September – Fertilizing for Winter
One of the most important times for fertilizing occurs in the fall for cool season grasses (Blue grass, Rye grass, Fescue). A “winterizer” fertilizer is considered to have higher amounts of potassium and/or phosphorous. However, there is no evidence to suggest that extra “P” or “K” in the fall is beneficial to Blue grass, Rye or Fescue. The most important nutrient for fall is nitrogen. The amount of nitrogen needed depends on turf type and maintenance. For high maintenance (ball fields) one to two pounds of nitrogen can be needed for 100 square feet of lawn area. For normal maintenance (homeowners) one pound is recommended. For Blue grass, Rye grass and Fescues the requirement are basically the same.
October – Shutting Down Your Sprinkler System
October is the month where you may be getting ready to shut down your sprinkler system for the winter. As the days get shorter, lawns are under much less stress from the sun and therefore require much less water. Watering should be done occasionally if dry weather persists where once per week should be adequate. Before shutting down your sprinkler systems, water heavily to help prevent root damage to your lawn that can occur over the winter. You may need to water a few times with a hose over the winter during periods when there is no snow cover and especially in those areas that are mostly exposed to the sun. Fall is a good time to aerate your lawn, as the soil is opened up allowing water and fertilizer to get to the root system which will increase winter hardiness. Cores will slowly break down over the winter and work their way back into the soil. You will want to do this before the soil freezes and after the lawn has been adequately watered which will ensure deep cores.
November – Clearing Leaves
First of all, be sure your lawn is cleared of any leaves and grass clippings. This will allow more exposure to winter moisture and light. The lawn should have been fertilized for the last time by now with a pound or so of nitrogen, with some portion of that being in a slow release form. Also, mow for the last time, leaving the height a little longer than a normal cut. This will allow for more leaf surface for photosynthesis to continue. Weeds should have been treated by now, particularly perennial weeds for next season. While very little is happening from a pest standpoint, the most important thing is to monitor all trees, shrubs and lawn areas for soil moisture. If snow or rain has been absent, a deep thorough soaking of landscape areas once every two to three weeks will help maintain plant health.
December – Winter Care Instructions for Your Lawn
Watering: Your lawn will continue to require moisture all winter long. If there is no snow cover, you must water thoroughly every 4-5 weeks any area of the lawn that dries out. Please pay particular attention to:
1. Hills with a southern exposure
2. Areas regularly swept by winds
3. Areas subject to heat reflection from windows or light colored walls
The south side of evergreens (they will take available moisture from the soil)
For additional information please visit – https://www.treeandlawncareco.org/monthly-tips/