Caring for Your Lawn During the Cold Months in Novi

As temperatures drop and the snow begins, many homeowners in Novi wonder how to care for their landscape during the winter months. While your grass may go dormant during this season, proper winter lawncare is crucial to ensuring a healthy, vibrant lawn when spring arrives. This guide explores everything you need to know about winter grass care, especially for those managing lawncare in Novi.

Most grass in Michigan is either Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, or fine fescues. These grasses that thrive well in cold weather. They will enter a dormant phase during the winter months, which slows their growth and focuses energy on root survival rather than building up their blades. Dormancy will protect the grass from freezing temperatures but can make it more vulnerable to damage if not cared for properly.

The most important thing for your grass is to prepare.

1. Final Mowing
   Before the first snowfall, mow your lawn one last time, and set the mower blade to between 2 to 2.5 inches. This height helps prevent matting under snow while protecting the crown of the grass.

2. Aeration and Fertilization
   Aerate the soil in at the end of fall to improve root access to nutrients and relieve compaction. Follow up with a winter-survival fertilizer rich in potassium to strengthen the roots and prepare your grass for dormancy.

3. Clearing Debris
   Rake up your leaves, sticks, and other debris from your lawn. This prevents smothering and reduces the risk of diseases like snow mold.

During the cold winter months in Novi, your lawn will likely be covered in snow for weeks at a time. While the snow will insulate the grass, heavy foot traffic can damage the dormant grass underneath. Walking on frozen grass, can cause the blades to break and lead to dead patches come spring. Do your best to avoid the frozen grass.

If snow piles up unevenly on your lawn, redistribute it to prevent ice patches that can smother and kill grass. Additionally, be cautious when using de-icing salts near your lawn; these salts can leach into the soil and harm your grass. Use lawn-safe alternatives when possible.

Once the snow melts and the temperature begin to rise, your lawn will begin to come out of dormancy. Help speed up this process with these tips:

• Give your lawn a very light rake to remove any dead grass or thatch. It's important to not let any dead grass or debris from the winter months smother the grass coming out of dormancy

• Water your lawn for about an hour to hydrate the soil after months of freezing conditions.

• Apply a well-balanced fertilizer to jumpstart growth and repair any winter damage.

Winter months in Novi can be be a difficult time for your lawn. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to protecting your lawn throughout the winter months. If you'd prefer to have a professional give you guidance and take care of these steps for you, Colin's Lawncare can help. We've helped homeowners in Novi get through the harsh winter months for over 12 years. Contact us to get a free estimate today.