Alabama and Florida are experiencing cold weather. It is therefore important to learn how to care for your plants in winter. You must take care of your lawn throughout winter to ensure a beautiful lawn in spring. Continue reading to find out the key steps to make sure your lawn is ready for next spring.
Winter Laying Sod Benefits
- When the temperature is below 40 degrees, sod can last for up to 2 weeks.
- Winter will see a significant decrease in water consumption.
- Once the sod has been installed, it will only need to be watered once. After the sod is installed, water it only if the temperature is higher than 40 degrees and the ground has not frozen.
- Sod stabilizes the soil. Sod is great at stopping water runoff from snow melting.
Tips to Take Care of Your Sod in Winter
- Aerate Late fall or early winter are great times to aerate your grass. This will allow for the soil to breathe and will ensure that the roots are not too compacted in the cold season.
- Fertilize Lawns can become dormant during winter. Fertilize in the winter months before this dormant stage occurs. This will give your winter plants an extra boost of nutrients.
- Clear snow – Sod still requires oxygen during winter. A heavy snow layer greatly hinders that process. Utah is known for its snowfall. Spread any snow that has accumulated to encourage melting. Mold can form if your lawn is left wet for too long.
- Avoid running or walking on frozen soil. Limit foot traffic to your lawn when temperatures drop below freezing.
- Hand water – Because of the freezing temperatures, it’s a good idea to winterize sprinklers. You will need to water your lawn by hand using a hose. Only water your lawn when it is over 40 degrees. Dormant roots only require 0.25 inches of water per week to thrive.
- Do not mow your lawn in winter. You will need to wait three to four weeks before mowing your winter sod if you laid it.
- Weed prevention – To keep spurge, crabgrass and about 35 other weeds away from your lawn as it grows, you should apply a preemergent herbicide in late winter.
