After months of mowing from early spring to late fall, most people will tend to take a break on lawn care and maintenance during the cold winter months, thinking the mowing season is at an end. To the contrary, lawns will continue to grow well into late November or even early December. Spartan Mowers recommend putting together a winter lawn maintenance routine that will bring great rewards when spring makes its debut. Here are a few tips from our pro staff to take your lawn to the next level and produce a show-stopper in the spring.
MOWING
Mowing is the most obvious and visible lawn care that is often stopped prematurely, ranging from weeks to months. Since turf will continue to grow, though at a slower rate, mowing a few extra times into late November or early December is often a necessity. As October ages, the mowing height can slowly be dropped each week or every other week until the final cut that should be between 1.5” - 1.75”. Choosing to gradually cut your grass shorter and shorter will keep from shocking the grass with a short winter cut.
How short should your last cut be? It really depends on the type of grass you have. For warm season grasses, cut down to at least one-inch, and for cool season grasses, cut down to at least two-inches. Whether your lawn is large or small, Spartan Mowers are perfect for those aiming for an all around, even cut. A clean cut at the true end of the season can help reduce leaves and debris as well as winter damage and snow mold.
IT’S OKAY TO LEAVE MULCH
While a thick layer of leaves and debris will smother your lawn by blocking out light and air, possibly cause parts to die off, it is okay to leave a little mulch on your lawn for the winter. If done correctly, mulch and clippings can add much needed nitrogen to the soil over the winter months.
LEAVES
Leaves and other debris can pose a real issue to lawn health, especially in shaded areas or newly planted grass. Heavy leaf and or needle cover can mulch a lawn, blocking available sunlight. A good rule of thumb is to remove leaves a few times each fall or wait until all the leaves have dropped from the trees and then do one large cleanup. Leaving leaves and needles on your lawn can result in turf thinning and damage, especially if left over the winter into spring.
EARLY WINTER APPLICATIONS
Late-season “winterizing” treatments that can prep your lawn for 2020 include potassium, lime, core aeration and spraying for difficult to control weeds such as ground ivy and violets.
KEEP IT CLEAN
In addition to picking up layers of leaves and big branches, you should also make sure that items such as toys, lawn furniture, and lawn accessories are cleared off of the lawn for the winter. Large, heavy items such as toys left on your lawn during extreme cold weather and snow can cause thin brown patches when grass begins to grow in the spring. Items and longer grass lengths can also create a perfect nesting scenario for mice and other rodents to burrow.
These are just a few tips to get you started on your winter lawn maintenance. A little work during the cooling months will pay off in huge rewards in the spring.
SPREAD SOME HOLIDAY CHEER
It can be difficult to buy gifts for the person who has everything. If that certain someone enjoys making their lawn a masterpiece, then a Spartan Mower is perfect! Check out our “2020 MOWER GIVEAWAY” going on right now at all of our Spartan Dealerships! We are GIVING AWAY a 2020 27HP RT-Pro powered by Briggs & Stratton. Test drive a mower today at your nearest Spartan dealership to register to win. Spartan will announce the winner June 1, 2020.
For the new 2020 season, we are rolling out mowers with over 25 “SPARTAN ADVANTAGES” that are changing the mowing industry. Here is a video from our founder, Robert Foster, that explains more! Give the gift that will never be forgotten this year. Test drive a Spartan today and see what the “buzz” is all about!
