Let’s face it – the holiday season isn’t typically a time when people consider their lawn care. And even though we’re almost through hurricane season, rain, snow, and ice are still not the biggest motivators.
However, even the dampest lawns can make a strong comeback when the colder seasons pass. Here are a few things you can be doing right now to prepare your personal or business landscapes for when that happens.
Be Mindful of Dropping Temperatures
Did you know that trees and plants respond to rising or falling temperatures differently? Whether you’re a homeowner or landscaping professional, consider prioritizing plants that may need more protection; for example, tree trunks that can freeze and thaw.
It’s not easy for plants to survive in the winter. Soil can be an effective insulator, providing ample coverage and keeping roots warm during cold spells. Keep your soil healthy by supplying it with everything it needs to keep your plants healthy, including water, nutrients, and organic matter.
Prepare Your Irrigation System
There are multiple types of irrigation systems we use to keep our landscapes healthy throughout the year, from surface and drip irrigation to sprinklers and blended systems.
If you have an irrigation system, you need to be overly cautious in the colder months. Pipes or valves can freeze and burst if they are not properly managed by a landscaping professional, which can have an adverse effect on all of your plants. It can also lead to a costly repair bill!Â
Get Your Weeds Under Control
You might assume that all weeds die in the winter, but annuals like crabgrass and chickweed cannot just survive but thrive during this time. It’s a unique opportunity for these invasive plants to spread and take over when you least expect it. To prevent this, consider using a pre-emergent herbicide on your landscape to combat their growth and stop the spread of seeds.
Several weeds also enter dormancy in response to environmental conditions. But even if weather conditions are unfavorable and spores fail to germinate, that does not mean these weeds are gone. In fact, dormancy is a survival tactic that enables certain weeds to continue spreading in the spring.
Last but not least, educate yourself on the various types of cool-season weeds in your region. It might be “too little, too late” this time of year, but you can stock up now to manage these weeds in the springtime.
Cool-season grass weeds can survive any temperatures and need to be treated with specific products like FIESTA® Turf Weed Killer. FIESTA® uses a specially formulated iron chelate solution to provide visible same-day results and works on a variety of broadleaf weeds.
Protect Your Investments
Have you ever seen a pine tree that looks brown or red in the winter? This is likely not the aftermath of fall, but winter burn caused by dehydration. Winter burn happens when a plant cannot replace its water source in an area prone to droughts or frozen ground cover.
Thankfully, there are steps you can take to help your trees or plants regain their health. Using the right fertilizers and soil amendments can keep weeds away, conserve moisture, and promote growth. You should also consider investing in a professional landscaper who can remove any plants or shrubs that are too badly damaged as they can be a magnet for pests.Â
Remember, even when you’re faced with inclement weather that may cover your landscape, don’t adopt the mindset “out of sight, out of mind.” Much like how this year felt, your lawn care can quickly get out of control in the blink of an eye. Being proactive with your lawn care now will save you time, energy, and money down the line.
Happy Holidays!