Preparing your Lawn for Winter

Many properties on Cape Cod are planted with low maintenance, indigenous plants and grasses. But, if you have a more manicured landscape, which includes a traditional lawn, now is the time to plan and execute fall fertilization.

In early to mid-October, mow your lawn one final time. Rake up any clippings and apply a weed killer and grass fertilizer (NOTE: there are organic options available). This will help prepare your lawn for winter, while it lay dormant, and it will assist in spring growth. Most of our soil on the Outer Cape is sandy, so plan on using a fertilizer that has slow release nitrogen. You may want to ask your garden center professional to help you pick out the proper fertilizer for your area.

It is important to follow instructions when applying fertilizer. Never overdo, and base your application on your lawn’s square footage. It is best to use a rotary spreader for an even application. Once you finish one direction, repeat in the opposite for thorough coverage.
Make sure your grass is dry when applying the fertilizer, then, water lightly immediately afterwards. This helps the fertilizer to adhere to the blades of grass and also to mix into the soil. It is important to use the proper product for grass and a different fertilizer for shrubs, plants and flowers. Using an incorrect product can impact evergreen growth and decrease fruit and flower count in the spring.

With these helpful tips, your lawn should be preserved through the cold winter months and ready for regular yard maintenance once spring arrives.