Franklin lawn care services
Climatic restrictions to lawn care
The average U.S. temperature is 52.7 °F whereas the average temperature for Franklin over the year varies from 15 °F to 82 °F. It hardly ever goes below -5 °F or above 91 °F. Franklin experiences warm summers while the winters are freezing, windy, and dry. It is partly cloudy all year round. Ignoring your lawn in this freezing is the worst thing you can do for it.
Waiting for spring to have a vibrant lawn is a mistake as the preparation for the outcome you want during spring starts from the cold season. Your lawn may go through desiccation, lose all its moisture and become dehydrated due to the dry winds in the air. This may also occur due to the heavy blanket of snow resting on your lawn for a long period which does not allow the grass to absorb required nutrients. Lawn care is highly needed during this excessively cold winter in Franklin.
Tips for lawn care during the winter
Mowing
Mow your lawns before the snow starts settling on them. Try to mow it during late fall and keep it as short as possible to protect the new growth that may emerge before toy grass goes dormant. Tallgrass and shady areas can be the worse during winters as they provide hiding spots for rodents and voles that can dig your lawns and eat your grass. The worst part is that these damages won't even be visible until spring when the snow melts. That is when you would be expecting a healthy lawn and grass growth but if these damages occur, you will end up spending the entire spring trying to fix your lawn. Secondly, do not mow your lawn when there are chances of snowfall or when the soil is wet. Your grass will need to be mowed above 5 °C as it is still growing in these weather conditions.
Prevention of winter kill
There are many winter grass-killers, but they can be controlled and prevented with proper maintenance throughout the year including the winter. Knowledge about all the factors that can damage your lawns once winter starts is an important step. These grass killers include snow molds, desiccation, and dormancy. Identification of these and their control is what you need to do during the winter and prevention starts even before winter. Prepare your lawns with the needed herbicides that don't harm the grass.
Fertilization
Before the first snow hits, fertilize your lawn. This is needed to provide your soil with all those nutrients it lost during the hot summer months and the nutrients it will require to survive the freezing winter. This fertilizer will remain in your soil for a long time and nourish your grass all season long. Choose your fertilizer after researching your grass and its type. Apply a fertilizer that has all the nutrients required by your grass and only applies as much as needed. Not less not more. These small details can play a huge part in how your grass turns when spring arrives.
Let your lawn rest
Avoid walking on your lawns once the winter starts to approach. When you see that your grass is turning brown, that's your cue to let it rest. Make sure you avoid heavy lawn traffic during that time. Even if your grass is resilient, it will have a difficult time recovering if it's too worn out. It is more practical to keep off your lawn when it's wet or frosty too as compaction of soil is most likely to occur during these winter months.
Cleanup
Before winter, clean your yard properly during late fall. Make sure there are no piles of leaves or lawn debris lying around as those are the perfect spots for voles and other rodents that eat your grass. Gently rake your lawn to get rid of all the fallen leaves due to the fall. Do not damage your grass in the process. The fallen leaves can encourage pests and diseases after absorbing moisture from your lawn.
Aeration
Aeration is a process done to allow air, water, and other nutrients into the soil by making small holes in it. This can be highly needed during the winter as the soil becomes compacted and the solid materials are difficult to break down by the water. This will cause the grass to dehydrate as the roots are unable to absorb any moisture. Aerate consolidated areas with a sharp object such as a fork or spiking machine. This will improve the drainage system, allow more water and air into the soil, and encourage healthier growth.
Worms and Moles
Worms are neither pests nor damaging to your lawn. They are beneficial for your soil as they improve the nutrient content. They eat the soil and break down the compacted materials. Earthworms are performing activities underground, allowing water and air to easily move around the roots. These worm castings should be left to dry and later removed swiftly with a brush. However, moles are what you need to get rid of. These rodents feed on insects and earthworms that are beneficial for your lawn. They also dig the deepest tunnels and make holes in your lawns causing tripping and uneven surfaces. Mole activity increases from January to February.
Lawn Love
Lawn Love is a lawn care service that provides the most affordable services nationwide. It is working in beautifying many neighborhoods in Franklin, and now it's your turn to hire us for your lawn. Why do you keep on postponing your trip to Whitnall Park or the Wehr Nature Center? After a busy week, you deserve a break. Lawn Love will take responsibility for your lawn and regularly maintain it to bring out the best from it. There are many services to choose from, but the professionals working with us will also treat your grass according to its needs. Contact us now to be connected with your Lawn Love professional!
