Preparing Your Lawn for Winter: A Guide for Residents of Metairie, LA
Lawn Mowing and Trimming:
It's important to give your grass a thorough mow before the winter months arrive. To avoid snow, ice, mold, and other winter illnesses, cut your grass somewhat shorter than usual—but not too short. Aim for a height of approximately 1.5 to 2 inches to prevent matting and allow the grass to breathe. It is also necessary to cut your grass at least every three weeks during the winter to keep the growth of weeds down.
Clear all Debris:
A trail of leaves, sticks, and other debris is left behind by the fall season could be detrimental to your yard if not cleared. Before winter approaches, make sure to give your lawn a good cleaning. These substances can stifle ventilation, sunlight, and water, which could lead to suffocation of your grass.
Fertilize Your Lawn:
Aerate Your Lawn:
Overseeding Your Lawn:
Consider overseeding your grass in the late fall to cover any bare or thin patches. Choose grass varieties that are most suited to Metairie, Louisiana's climate, such as St. Augustine or Bermuda. If you overseed your lawn, it will appear more lush throughout the winter. This is a great way to hide all the neglect throughout the hot summer.
Watering Your Lawn:
Although Metairie's winters are usually mild, you should still give your lawn some water. All forms of life need water. Your grass may look brown and dead, but it is in a dormant state. During dry spells, remember to water your lawn, giving it about an inch of water every two to three weeks. By doing this, you'll keep your grass from drying out and going to seed.
Protect Against Weeds:
Even throughout the cold, weeds can be tenacious. Weeds can survive and even thrive in conditions too harsh for grass. To stop weed development, apply a pre-emergent weed control product in late fall. Make sure you use a product meant for the weeds that are prevalent in Metairie. This should be a step every year in your routine lawn care maintenance.
Snow & Ice Removal:
Metairie typically experiences little to no snowfall, although there is still a chance of frost and ice on occasion. If so, exercise caution when clearing snow or ice off your lawn so as not to harm the grass beneath. It is advised to use a snow blower or a light shoveling method by hand.