- Mistake 1: Underwatering or overwatering<\/a><\/li>
- Mistake 2: Not winterizing your irrigation system<\/a><\/li>
- Mistake 3: Walking on frozen or snow-covered grass<\/a><\/li>
- Mistake 4: Ignoring thatch and moss<\/a><\/li>
- Mistake 5: Not removing leaves and debris<\/a><\/li>
- Mistake 6: Mis-timing the last mow<\/a><\/li>
- Mistake 7: Mowing in the same pattern repeatedly<\/a><\/li>
- Mistake 8: Using winter fertilizer incorrectly<\/a><\/li>
- Mistake 9: Using weed killers when it’s freezing<\/a><\/li>
- Mistake 10: Failing to prevent snow mold<\/a><\/li>
- Mistake 11: Using salt or chemical deicers carelessly<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ<\/a><\/li>
- Spring is coming. Is your lawn ready?<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Mistake 1: Underwatering or overwatering<\/span><\/h2>
The Problem: <\/strong>If you quit watering too early, your grass may go dormant prematurely, become thin, or suffer root damage. Once rain comes, it will invite weeds and moss to your lawn.<\/p>
Keenan L. Amundsen, turfgrass genetics professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, warns that winter winds and snow cover can rob grass of moisture and kill it, a phenomenon known as crown desiccation. Watering grass until the weather turns bitter helps turf store water for those long, cold winter months.<\/p>
Overwatering, on the other hand, leads to fungal disease and root rot.<\/p>
The Solution:<\/strong> Continue watering in the fall, but stop as temperatures consistently fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the ground freezes (or until you winterize your sprinklers, as we\u2019ll go over next).<\/p>
Read more:<\/strong> When to Stop Watering Your Grass<\/a><\/p>
Mistake 2: Not winterizing your irrigation system<\/span><\/h2>
![\"winterizing](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/winterize-sprinkler-1.jpeg\")
Winterizing your system can prevent burst pipes in cold climates. Photo Credit: Lost_in_the_Midwest<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock Free \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The Problem: <\/strong>Forgetting to winterize your irrigation system can set you up for all kinds of issues, including burst pipes. <\/p>
The Solution:<\/strong> Winterize your sprinklers when temperatures consistently drop below freezing and before the first hard freeze. The steps are:<\/p>
- Shut off the water<\/li>
- Turn off the watering programs<\/li>
- Drain the water<\/li>
- Insulate above-ground components<\/li>
- Turn off the controller<\/li> <\/ul>
Read more:<\/strong> How to Winterize Your Sprinkler System<\/a><\/p>
Here are the remaining sections reworked in the same style:<\/p>
Mistake 3: Walking on frozen or snow-covered grass<\/span><\/h2>
The Problem:<\/strong> When turf is frozen, ice crystals form inside the grass blades. Professor Amundsen cautions that stepping on frozen grass can rupture these membranes and injure the plant, leading to gray, black, or dead patches come spring.<\/p>
The Solution:<\/strong> Limit foot traffic on your lawn when growth slows in late fall and throughout winter. Create designated pathways if you need to cross your yard regularly.<\/p>
More tips:<\/strong> How to Protect Your Lawn From Winter Damage<\/a><\/p>
Mistake 4: Ignoring thatch and moss<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Illustration](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/thatch-illustration.jpg\")
Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure> The Problem:<\/strong> Thatch thicker than \u00bd inch blocks sunlight, water, nutrients, and oxygen from reaching grass roots, creating a weak lawn vulnerable to disease. Professor Amundsen warns against aggressive practices like dethatching too late in fall, as they stress the grass and expose vulnerable roots. Neglected, patchy lawns become prime territory for moss takeover.<\/p>
The Solution:<\/strong><\/p>
- Dethatch in early fall while grass is actively growing, no later than 3-4 weeks before the first frost<\/li>
- Aerate to relieve soil compaction and reduce thatch<\/li>
- Test and amend soil pH (moss prefers acidic conditions)<\/li>
- Reduce shade where possible<\/li> <\/ul>
Read more:<\/strong> How to Get Rid of Moss in Your Lawn<\/a><\/p>
Mistake 5: Not removing leaves and debris<\/span><\/h2>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/leaf-rake.jpeg\")
Leaves smother grass, blocking air flow and sunlight. Photo Credit: Elenathewise<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> The Problem:<\/strong> “Leaves damage the lawn primarily by light exclusion, preventing photosynthetic activity and grass growth,” cautions Professor Al Turgeon of Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. Leaves also hold moisture, causing fungal and other diseases.<\/p>
The Solution:<\/strong> Blow, sweep, or rake leaves regularly. Shred them with a mulching mower and let them decompose on your lawn, or use them as compost or mulch.<\/p>
Read more:<\/strong> The Best Way to Remove Leaves From Your\u200b Yard<\/a><\/p>
Mistake 6: Mis-timing the last mow<\/span><\/h2>
The Problem:<\/strong> Grass that’s too tall creates a welcoming environment for fungi and pests. But mowing dormant grass stresses it unnecessarily, and mowing wet grass tears rather than cuts it, making it susceptible to disease. Scalping your lawn (cutting too short) makes it vulnerable to disease, pests, and weeds.<\/p>
The Solution:<\/strong><\/p>
- Keep mowing until your grass stops growing (timing depends on grass type and region)<\/li>
- Never mow more than one-third of the grass blade at once<\/li>
- For the final mow, cut \u00bd inch shorter than the typical recommended height for your grass type<\/li> <\/ul>
Read more: <\/strong>The Last Mow of the Season: How Short to Cut Your Grass<\/a><\/p>
Mistake 7: Mowing in the same pattern repeatedly<\/span><\/h2>
![\"illustration](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_mowing-patterns.png\")
Infographic by Juan Rodriguez <\/figcaption><\/figure> The Problem:<\/strong> Professor Amundsen cautions that repeatedly mowing in the same direction causes wear and compaction from wheel tracks, making grass weaker and more susceptible to winter injury. Unchanging patterns can also cause grass to grow in a bent direction and create poor drainage that invites problems like snow mold.<\/p>
The Solution:<\/strong> Alternate your mowing pattern by 45 to 90 degrees each time you mow, especially before winter.<\/p>
Read more:<\/strong> Winter Lawn Striping: Why Your Mowing Pattern Matters Before Dormancy<\/p>
Mistake 8: Using winter fertilizer incorrectly<\/span><\/h2>
The Problem:<\/strong> Professor Amundsen stresses the importance of fertilizing in late summer to early fall when grass can use the nutrients. “Fertilizing too late\u2014after active growth has slowed\u2014results in poor uptake and potential nutrient loss,” he says. Late fertilization may also cause runoff. Meanwhile, improper nitrogen levels invite fungal infection.<\/p>
The Solution:<\/strong> Apply winter fertilizer a few weeks before the first frost. Test your soil and amend accordingly. If you miss the window, wait until spring when temperatures are consistently above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.<\/p>
Read more:<\/strong><\/p>
- What is Winter Fertilizer?<\/a><\/li>
- When Should You Apply Winter Fertilizer?<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Mistake 9: Using weed killers when it’s freezing<\/span><\/h2>
The Problem:<\/strong> Weeds aren’t actively growing during cold winter months, so they won’t properly absorb herbicide. You’ll waste time and money while potentially damaging your grass.<\/p>
The Solution:<\/strong> Remove weeds manually or with herbicide in fall or spring when they’re actively growing. For pre-emergent herbicide, apply in fall when soil temperatures drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit\u2014but don’t wait too long, or weeds may already be germinating.<\/p>
Mistake 10: Failing to prevent snow mold<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Thin](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Snow-mold.jpg\")
Snow mold creates matted patches of discolored grass. Photo Credit: ronstik<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure> The Problem:<\/strong> Snow mold is a fungal disease that creates matted, circular patches of discolored grass, often hidden under snow. “Gray snow mold requires prolonged snow cover to develop and primarily damages leaf blades,” warns Professor Amundsen. “Pink snow mold does not require snow cover and is considered more aggressive… [it] can damage the crowns, killing turf.”<\/p>
The Solution:<\/strong><\/p>
- Overseed with snow mold-resistant grass varieties<\/li>
- Apply preventative fungicide in fall for pink snow mold<\/li>
- Remove snowdrifts that pile up on your lawn<\/li>
- Avoid compacting snow with skis, snowmobiles, or foot traffic<\/li>
- Install snow fences if needed to prevent snow accumulation<\/li>
- Follow prevention practices: dethatch, remove leaves, time mowing correctly, alternate mowing patterns, and fertilize appropriately<\/li> <\/ul>
Read more:<\/strong><\/p>
- What is Gray Snow Mold and How to Get Rid of It<\/a><\/li>
- What is Pink Snow Mold and How to Get Rid of It<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Mistake 11: Using salt or chemical deicers carelessly<\/span><\/h2>
The Problem:<\/strong> Salt and deicers applied near turf can damage or kill grass and limit water absorption in soil. The damage often doesn’t appear until spring.<\/p>
The Solution:<\/strong> Avoid using salt and deicers near grass whenever possible. If you must use them, apply sparingly and as far from turf as practical. Consider sowing salt-tolerant fine fescue grasses in vulnerable areas, or install artificial turf in high-traffic zones where deicers are necessary.<\/p>
Read more: <\/strong><\/p>
- How to Repair Salt Damage on Your Lawn<\/a><\/li>
- How to Use Salt to Kill Weeds<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
FAQ<\/span><\/h2>
Can I overseed bare patches during winter?<\/strong>You shouldn\u2019t overseed too late in the season unless you dormant seed or frost seed.<\/p> <\/div>
Should I aerate my lawn in winter?<\/strong>No, leave aeration until spring or fall. During winter, grass is weak and can\u2019t recover from the stress of aeration. The exception is aerating young turf or before planting.<\/p> <\/div>
How often should I check my lawn during winter?<\/strong>You should check your lawn every two to three weeks. Remove debris, ensure there are no compacted areas, and look out for pests. You could also notice lawn diseases like snow mold early.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>
Spring is coming. Is your lawn ready?<\/span><\/h2>
Lawn care can be tricky, and it\u2019s easy to overlook a step that makes all the difference. Sometimes, you need pro skills to get it right. LawnLove\u2019s lawn care pros are ready to help with all aspects of fall lawn care and winterizing; from leaf removal<\/a>, to mowing<\/a>, aeration<\/a>, and fertilization<\/a>.<\/p>
- How to Use Salt to Kill Weeds<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- What is Pink Snow Mold and How to Get Rid of It<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- What is Gray Snow Mold and How to Get Rid of It<\/a><\/li>
- When Should You Apply Winter Fertilizer?<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- What is Winter Fertilizer?<\/a><\/li>
- Mistake 2: Not winterizing your irrigation system<\/a><\/li>