How to Winterize Your Lawn for a Colorado Winter

Is your lawn ready for the upcoming Colorado winter? With temperatures that average right around the freezing point, an around 7 inches of snow per month, the November – March period can be harsh on your lawn if you’re not prepared.  To help your lawn survive the winter and be ready for a healthy spring, there are a few easy steps you can take.

Keep Mowing

Even if you’ve already turned your sprinklers off, you want to keep mowing your lawn as long as the turf is going, and you want to have one final mowing before winter truly sets in. In our climate, it’s recommended to have a final mow that trims your lawn to 1.25 – 1.5 inches of length after the lawn goes dormant.  This will help protect your lawn from disease over the winter and help it bounce back better in the spring.

Rake those fall leaves!

Your lawn needs to breathe over the winter, and leaves and other fall debris can smother your lawn, keeping it from getting the air it needs.  Make sure to rake your lawn often in the fall to remove any loose debris, especially if you live near an area of agriculture.  My neighborhood is always cleaning up after the neighboring farmer harvests his corn in the fall!

Aerate and Dethatch

While most people aerate their lawns in the spring, it can be more beneficial to do so in the fall.  Aeration can help break up compaction from a summer full of activities, promote strong root growth, and improve overall soil health.

Dethatching removes dead grass and debris that has accumulated over the summer, keeping it from building a barrier that will keep moisture out.  The best time to do this is in the early fall, before the hard freezes of winter set in. 

Plant lawn seed

It may seem counterintuitive, but the fall is a perfect time to lay down some lawn seed to help your lawn come back full and lush in the spring.  Find a high-quality seed – we recommend a Kentucky Bluegrass blend, and fescues may also work well depending on your current grass mix – and spread evenly over your lawn. 

Don’t be stingy – overseeding will help fill in any bare spots. Water the newly laid seed to encourage germination and watch for the results in the spring.

Fertilize

In our climate, a fertilizer with a balanced ration of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium will help keep your lawn healthy for the winter.  Using a slow-release fertilizer will further help ensure your lawn gets the nutrients it needs to survive the harsh winter months.   

What about your garden?

Your lawn isn’t the only area needing attention to get ready for the winter. Your garden may not bustle with life over the winter, but a few simple steps will keep it healthy and ready for another vibrant spring and summer.

Clean up and remove debris

Just like you want to keep your lawn clear of leaves and debris, your garden also needs to be kept clear of fallen leaves, dead plants, and other debris.  This helps protect against disease and pests.

Prune your perennials

One the plant growth has died, trim your perennial to about 2-3 inches above the soil level.  This will help them conserve energy for the winter and promote new growth in the spring.

Mulch

Applying a layer of mulch around plants in your garden helps regulate soil temperature and retain moisture.  This is particularly important in the Fort Collins area, where we can see big temperature swings over the winter months.

Watering

Keep your garden well-watered below the first hard freeze.  The soil should retain moisture, but not be water logged; a moisture meter can be a good tool to let you know if your levels are just right.

Prune trees and shrubs

Check for any damaged or dying branches on trees and shrubs, and prune them to prevent any damage from the weight of upcoming snowfall.

Other Winter Activities

In addition to preparing your lawn and garden, fall is a great time to complete some general maintenance, both around your yard and the outside of your house. 

Inspect and Clean Gutters: Remove leaves and debris from gutters to prevent ice dams and ensure proper water drainage.

Check Roof Integrity: Inspect your roof for any damaged or missing shingles. Repair as needed to prevent leaks during winter storms.

Seal Drafts: Check windows and doors for drafts. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal any gaps and improve energy efficiency.

Service Heating Systems: Schedule a professional inspection and maintenance for your heating system to ensure it’s working efficiently. Replace filters regularly.

Insulate Pipes: Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing. This is particularly important in colder climates to avoid burst pipes.

Test and Clean Chimneys: If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, have the chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Stock up on Winter Supplies: Ensure you have an ample supply of ice melt, sand, or kitty litter to help prevent slips on icy surfaces. Also, check and replenish your winter emergency kit.

Trim Tree Branches: Prune any tree branches that are close to your home or power lines. Heavy snow and ice can cause branches to break and potentially damage property.

Service Snow Removal Equipment: If you have a snow blower or other snow removal equipment, ensure it’s in good working condition before the first snowfall.

Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Winter heating systems can increase the risk of carbon monoxide exposure.

Winterize Outdoor Faucets: Disconnect and drain garden hoses. If you have outdoor faucets, insulate them to prevent freezing.

Prepare Vehicles: Check the antifreeze levels, tire tread, and battery in your vehicles. Keep an emergency kit in your car, including a blanket, flashlight, and non-perishable snacks.

Shovel Snow Promptly: Shovel snow promptly to prevent it from compacting into ice. Clear pathways and driveways for safe access.

Plan for Vacation: If you plan to be away during the winter, make arrangements for someone to check on your home. Set your thermostat to a safe temperature to prevent frozen pipes.

These tips, as well as proper fall care for your lawn and garden, will help ensure you’re fully prepared for the winter and in the best possible shape once spring returns!