- Adjust final mowing height<\/a><\/li>
- Clean up leaves and debris<\/a><\/li>
- Aerate<\/a><\/li>
- Improve drainage<\/a><\/li>
- Fertilize<\/a><\/li>
- Water appropriately<\/a><\/li>
- Minimize foot traffic<\/a><\/li>
- Install snow stakes<\/a><\/li>
- Manage snow accumulation<\/a><\/li>
- Be careful when melting ice<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Adjust final mowing height<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Map](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/transition-zone-map.jpg\")
Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure> As winter approaches, adjust the mowing height. According to Allison Bailey, agriculture and natural resources agent at the University of Georgia Extension, the proper mowing height depends on the type of grass.<\/p>
\u201cFor warm-season grasses<\/strong>, raise the mowing height to about two inches at the end of the season,\u201d she says. \u201cFor cool-season grasses<\/strong>, we don\u2019t recommend any changes; keep it around two to three inches, as usual.\u201d <\/p>
Bailey notes that maintaining the proper height \u201cprotects the grass crown and helps the plant store energy for winter.\u201d Cutting too short can expose the crown to freezing temperatures and drying winds. On the other hand, grass that\u2019s too tall tends to mat down, trapping moisture and creating a hiding spot for rodents like voles. <\/p>
Keeping your grass at the right height supports strong roots as the lawn goes dormant, adds Bailey. It improves air flow through the turf, reducing the risk of disease, and promotes an even, healthy green-up when spring arrives. Just be careful not to cut too short. Lower the mower blade gradually over a couple of mowings, never removing more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. <\/p>
Read more:<\/strong><\/p>
- How Short to Cut Grass Before Winter<\/a><\/li>
- Last Mow of the Season<\/a><\/li>
- What\u2019s the One-Third Rule of Mowing<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Clean up leaves and debris<\/span><\/h2>
Rake leaves, sticks, and other debris before winter arrives. All of that smothers the turf and may also cause snow mold to develop during winter. Raking or blowing away leaves allows the grass to breathe and dry out on warmer days, reducing the risk of mold developing under snow cover. Clearing debris also discourages pests, as piles of leaves or tall grass near the lawn provide cozy cover for critters. <\/p>
Read more:<\/strong><\/p>
- The Best Way to Remove Leaves From Your\u200b Yard<\/a><\/li>
- Is It Better to Rake or Mulch Leaves?<\/a><\/li>
- Benefits of Fall Yard Cleanup<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Aerate<\/span><\/h2>
![\"illustration](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_aeration.png\")
Infographic by Juan Rodriguez <\/figcaption><\/figure> If your soil feels hard or has a thick layer of thatch, aerate. Core aeration removes small plugs of soil, improving airflow and allowing water and nutrients to reach the roots more easily. It also breaks up excess thatch, which can trap moisture and encourage disease. <\/p>
For cool-season lawns<\/strong>, September and April are the best times to aerate, giving the grass plenty of time to recover before winter arrives. Warm-season grasses<\/strong> should be aerated in late spring. <\/p>
Read more:<\/strong><\/p>
- How Can You Tell If You Have Compacted Soil?<\/a><\/li>
- How to Aerate Your Lawn<\/a><\/li>
- Benefits of Aerating Your Lawn<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Improve drainage<\/span><\/h2>
Take a look at how water drains off your lawn. Puddles or soggy areas can spell trouble once temperatures drop. \u201cStanding water can freeze and expand, lifting or breaking grass crowns and roots,\u201d explains Bailey from the University of Georgia Extension. <\/p>
To improve drainage, Bailey recommends filling low spots to level the surface and ensure gutters and downspouts aren\u2019t sending excess water onto the grass. If you have heavy clay soil like me, try aerating or spreading a thin layer of compost to improve absorption. <\/p>
Read more:<\/strong><\/p>
- Lawn Drainage Solutions<\/a><\/li>
- How to Get Rid of Standing Water in Your Yard<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Fertilize<\/span><\/h2>
As grass growth slows, the roots are still active and ready to absorb nutrients that will strengthen them for winter. <\/p>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Tampa-Grass-combo-1024x256.jpg\")
Common warm-season grasses. Illustration by Whitney Lehnecker \/ Lawn Love<\/figcaption><\/figure> Warm-season grasses<\/strong> benefit from potassium-rich fertilizers applied in late summer or very early fall.<\/p>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Grass-Types-Chicago-small-1024x256.jpg\")
Common cool-season grasses. Illustration by Whitney Lehnecker \/ Lawn Love<\/figcaption><\/figure> Cool-season grasses<\/strong> thrive with nitrogen-based fertilizers applied in mid-fall. Fertilizers with ratios like 20-8-8 or 24-0-12 work best.<\/p>
\u201cAdding fertilizer to the lawn in the fall helps maintain a healthy lawn, reduces the amount of weeds that can germinate, and reduces the amount of disease pressure,\u201d says Ginny Rosenkranz, principal agent associate at the University of Maryland Extension. She notes that in Maryland, fertilization is recommended only up until November 15.<\/p>
Read more:<\/strong><\/p>
- What is Winter Fertilizer?<\/a><\/li>
- When Should You Apply Winter Fertilizer?<\/a><\/li>
- Benefits of a Winter Fertilizer<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Water appropriately<\/span><\/h2>
If you live in an area that gets regular snow, you can skip winter watering. Snow acts as a natural blanket, keeping moisture in the soil and watering the grass as it melts. However, in regions with dry or mild winters, your lawn may still need water. <\/p>
Newly planted lawns will likely need supplemental irrigation during the winter. Watering once or twice a month is enough \u2014 only water when the temperature is 40 degrees or warmer. Check your soil\u2019s moisture before watering. In most cases, warm-season lawns need about half an inch of water per week during winter.<\/p>
Read more:<\/strong><\/p>
- How to Test Soil Moisture<\/a><\/li>
- When to Stop Watering Your Lawn<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Minimize foot traffic<\/span><\/h2>
Try to avoid walking on your lawn when it\u2019s frozen, frosted, or covered in snow. \u201cWalking or driving on frozen turf can crush the brittle blades and damage the crown,\u201d Bailey explains. This can lead to brown or dead spots once the lawn thaws. <\/p>
Frequent traffic, from people, pets, or parked cars, can also compact the soil. To protect the lawn, stick to sidewalks and driveways, avoid parking on the grass, and keep heavy activity off the turf until spring. <\/p>
Install snow stakes<\/span><\/h2>
When heavy snow falls, it\u2019s easy to lose track of where your driveway ends and your lawn begins. That\u2019s how grass often gets damaged by snowplows or shovels. Installing snow stakes along the edges of your driveway and sidewalks in late fall helps mark the boundaries so whoever\u2019s clearing snow knows exactly where to stop. <\/p>
Read more:<\/strong> How to Remove Snow Safely<\/a><\/p>
Manage snow accumulation<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Sidewalk](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/AdobeStock_715255294-1.jpeg\")
Snow accumulation. Lost_in_the_Midwest<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> Deep piles or packed snow can harm grass if left too long. Compressed snow keeps grass cold and damp, increasing the risk of snow mold and suffocation. <\/p>
\u201cIf you must pile snow on the lawn, try to place it in a low-impact area that drains well and receives plenty of sunlight, so it melts quickly,\u201d says Bailey from the University of Georgia Extension. If certain areas of your yard tend to collect heavy snow, use snow fencing or barriers to redirect it so it spreads out instead of building up in one spot. <\/p>
Read more:<\/strong> Solutions for Your Snow Removal Struggles<\/a><\/p>
Be careful when melting ice<\/span><\/h2>
When melting ice, choose deicing products wisely. \u201cAll of the deicers are made of salts, and too much salt can dehydrate the grass and make the soil difficult to grow in later,\u201d warns Rosenkranz from the University of Maryland Extension.<\/p>
Avoid sodium chloride (rock salt), which is especially harsh. They can draw moisture from grass blades and roots, causing burns, dehydration, and long-term soil damage that makes it harder for new grass to grow. Bailey suggests choosing gentler alternatives like calcium magnesium acetate<\/strong>, potassium chloride<\/strong>, or calcium chloride<\/strong>, which are much safer for lawns and plants when used correctly. <\/p>
Apply these products only where needed, such as on driveways and walkways, and sweep up any excess to prevent runoff onto the grass. For traction, I like to use sand or kitty litter, which are harmless options once the snow is cleared. <\/p>
Getting your lawn winter-ready<\/span><\/h2>
Preparing your lawn for winter doesn\u2019t have to be complicated \u2014 it just takes a bit of care and good timing. From clearing leaves and adjusting your final mow to improving drainage and managing snow, each step helps protect your turf through the cold months. <\/p>
If you need a hand getting your lawn ready for winter, Lawnlove can connect you with professionals for aeration<\/a>, mowing<\/a>, or leaf removal<\/a>. With the right help, your yard will head into the cold season clean, strong, and ready for a healthy spring comeback. <\/p>
\t\t\t\t\t\tSources:<\/strong><\/p> \t\t\t
<\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t- Allison Bailey<\/a>. Wilkes County ANR Agent. University of Georgia Extension. Personal Interview.\u00a0<\/li>
- Ginny Rosenkranz<\/a>. Principal Agent Associate. University of Maryland Extension. Personal Interview.\u00a0<\/li>
- \u201cCore Aeration of Lawns<\/a>.\u201d By Aaron Steil. Extension Specialist. Iowa State University Extension.\u00a0<\/li>
- \u201cPreventing Winter Damage to Lawns<\/a>.\u201d University of Illinois Extension.\u00a0<\/li>
- \u201cWinter Watering<\/a>.\u201d By Nicole Stoner. Extension Educator. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.<\/li>
- \u201cAvoid Traffic on Frozen Turf<\/a>.\u201d By Nicole Stoner. Extension Educator. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.<\/li> <\/ul> <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>
- Ginny Rosenkranz<\/a>. Principal Agent Associate. University of Maryland Extension. Personal Interview.\u00a0<\/li>
- When to Stop Watering Your Lawn<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- When Should You Apply Winter Fertilizer?<\/a><\/li>
- How to Get Rid of Standing Water in Your Yard<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- How to Aerate Your Lawn<\/a><\/li>
- Is It Better to Rake or Mulch Leaves?<\/a><\/li>
- Last Mow of the Season<\/a><\/li>
- Clean up leaves and debris<\/a><\/li>