Preparing the Lawn for Winter

In Russian climatic conditions, the lawn is in good condition only during a short summer season across most of the country. To enjoy it on sunny days, you should take care of it in advance — already in autumn.

During winter preparation, the lawn needs special care. We’ll share five essential secrets that, if followed, will ensure your lawn looks healthy and beautiful next summer.

Secret One – Adequate Airflow

The key to proper lawn preparation for winter is mandatory aeration. This step is crucial for strengthening roots. A strong root system virtually guarantees excellent germination in spring.

Therefore, autumn is the ideal time for soil scarification and simultaneous mulching. This improves water permeability and provides additional nourishment to the root system.

Secret Two – Cleanliness

A clean lawn is important not only in summer but also in autumn. Maintaining cleanliness is simple — a regular garden rake will help you easily complete this task.

Cleanliness is not only about appearance after cleaning, but more importantly, it ensures even grass germination in spring. Leaves or thatch left from autumn can hinder spring regrowth.

Secret Three – Proper Nutrition

Like any garden plant that overwinters, grass needs fertilization. Most professionals and landscape design experts begin with phosphorus and potassium.

As with other plant feed, these nutrients strengthen and nourish the root system. Phosphorus in complex autumn fertilizers supports root strength and lateral shoot development.

When choosing phosphorus fertilizers, consider:

• specialized lawn fertilizer,
• superphosphates,
• bone meal.

Potassium, a must in lawn fertilizers, helps ensure vibrant color, drought resistance, and disease tolerance in the next season.

Fertilizers containing potassium:

• potassium sulfate,
• autumn lawn complex.

Apply nitrogen carefully in autumn to repair gaps caused by drought. Use nitrogen only at the beginning of autumn, as it stimulates active growth.

Important rule: All lawn fertilizers must be applied to moist soil. First, water the lawn generously. Wait until the grass dries slightly and the soil remains sufficiently moist. Then apply fertilizers.

Secret Four – Sufficient Watering

After summer ends and until the first frosts, regular lawn watering is essential.

Early autumn: once a week.

October: once every two weeks.

Secret Five – Addressing Aesthetic Issues

After hot, sunny, and dry summer days, bare patches in the lawn become especially visible in October. These may result from drought. To ensure fresh greenery returns in spring, it’s essential to treat the lawn with a fungicide.

You can buy the solution in garden stores. Before treatment, repair damaged areas by laying sod or reseeding with a grass mixture.

Proper care and winter preparation will ensure a beautiful lawn in the next season.