Prepare Lawn for Winter in Texas: Top 10 Steps

If you are trying to protect your lawn from the harsh winter, you must take all the
necessary steps to ensure its health.

Winters can be difficult for gardens. They not only affect the current state of the lawn but
sometimes cause issues that may last longer than expected.

Even in the mild winters of the North Texas region, we often still experience dry cold
breezes and frost. The changes not only impact the growth of the plant but also alter the
nutrient and mineral uptake from the roots.

To set up your lawn and plants so that they successfully survive winter, there are
several important steps to take before the cold sets in.

Top Ten Ways to Prepare the Lawn

Following are some of the ways you can use to take care of your lawns through the cold
season.

Add Fertilizers

When you sow the seeds for the winter or fall plants, ensure that you add plenty of
fertilizers. There are different types that assist plant growth at different stages in the
cycle.

The ones that provide the nutritional content to the plants before they sprout are known
as pre-emergent fertilizers. In contrast, the ones that aid the survival of plants after
budding are the post-emergent. A combination of these fertilizers can provide plants
with an optimal growth rate.

Retaining Stock Minerals

When the soil remains deprived of fertilizers for long intervals, the plants can wilt. These
plants start utilizing the stock nutrients in the soil. Soon these minerals run out, and the
soil becomes barren.

Nitrogen is an example of a common stock mineral, and we are lucky to have
nitrogen-rich soil in our region. If you’re curious what deficiencies your soil might be
facing, you can get a soil test done.

These can be completed by a lawn care professional, and are sometimes available at
home and garden stores. Many minerals such as nitrogen are available individually, to
address specific deficiencies.

Weed Control

A scarcity of nutrients and minerals create a competition between plants and invasive
species such as weeds. The weeds can harness all the nutrients and leave plants
undernourished.

Even plants that are opportunistic rather than being directly harmful can stress out your
grass and garden. Such plants become weak and cannot compete against the firm and
thriving weeds. Nutrient-deficient soil creates a double threat if weeds settle in.

Applying lawn fertilization in combination with weed control is the best solution for a
healthy lawn.

Using Herbicides

There are multiple ways to discard the weeds. One such option is to use herbicides. Be
sure you get the correct herbicide depending on what type of weeds you’re combating.

Adding Compost

Use smaller debris and fallen leaves as compost for effective plant growth. You can
mow over them and leave them in the lawn, or you can gather mown debris and sprinkle
among your garden and shrubs.

Aeration

Aerating the soil to promote effective contact between the soil and air. Compacted soil
cannot “breathe” well, which can negatively impact the root system and the spread of
both nutrients and water. Contact your local lawn care professionals to learn when and
how to properly aerate your lawn.

Relocate Plants

Another excellent move is to not sow the seeds at the locations that have previously
encountered weeds. As a result, plants can utilize a wealth of minerals available in
healthy, un-attacked soil.

Maintaining the Temperature

In the winter, it is essential to provide the plants with a moderate temperature. Cover
shrubs and seedlings with a cloth, bag, or lawn blanket if you know a hard frost is
coming. The approach enables gardens to retain the moisture in the soil and grant
warmth to the plants.

Conclusion

With the appropriate care and maintenance, you can save your lawn during the cold
weather. Follow these steps to provide the plant with all the necessities required to
battle the cold. Furthermore, monitor the condition of your garden and alter the steps
accordingly.