Five grass maintenance tips to get it through the winter!

How do you restore the grass after a harsh summer and prepare it properly for winter? Here are five grass maintenance tips to see you through the winter.

winter-treatment

When the autumn season arrives, the condition of the grass can sometimes be weakened by the harsh summertime conditions such as dry weather, insects, and even diseases which can leave behind traces.  What procedures can facility owners/operators undertake to repair the lawn and prepare it for winter? See below for our four-step guide.

Repairing the summer damage

Does the lawn look thin or discoloured (brown) after the summer? Fertilise the damaged grass once or twice in the autumn, at the start and in mid-season. It is a good idea to add nutrients before the cold season.

Avoid excessive fertilising

Try to avoid excessive fertilisation, as the excessive addition of the chemicals found in fertilisers can cause chemical burns on the grass.  Resulting in excessive growth and weakening of the plant. Mulching can also mitigate the problem by adding natural fertilisation.

However please bare in mind that every type of grass needs a specific fertiliser formula. There is no universal fertiliser. The type of fertiliser is defined according to the intensity of use of the grass, the soil type, and season.

Allow the grass to breathe

A key point is to allow the grass to breathe. Remove the leaves that accumulate during the autumn. Grass reacts badly when deprived of air and light. Rot and moss will develop.

Do the last mow

The last grass mowing of the season plays an important role in getting through the winter. When should you cut it? Most importantly, before the first frost and as soon as the grass has stopped growing.  How high should the grass be cut? The recommended maximum cutting height is 5 cm, as this will strengthen the roots of the grass. Leaving a tall grass height before the winter will form a carpet that is too thick, that is vulnerable to the development of illnesses (grey or pink snow mould).

Minimise winter damage

It is also advisable to avoid walking on a frozen or snow-covered lawn, to further protect it through the winter season. Footprints on frozen ground can leave big yellow patches on the grass in the springtime. The snow can also burn the grass under the pressure of footsteps.

By implementing these five grass maintenance tips, you can considerably reduce the risks of damaging your grass during the winter.

Why not find out further information on our innovative automated mowing solution to maintain driving range lawns