Closeup of evergreen leaves covered in the snow

Winter Lawn Care Tips: How to Keep Your Lawn Healthy During the Cooler Months

Winter may seem like a time when lawn care takes a backseat, but maintaining a healthy lawn during Michigan’s cooler months is essential for ensuring it thrives come spring. With proper adjustments to mowing, watering, and fertilization routines, you can keep your lawn in great shape despite the cold weather. At Preferred Lawn Care, we understand the challenges of winter lawn care and are here to guide you through it.

Call Preferred Lawn Care at (231) 638-5368 or message us online to book snow removal services. We look forward to hearing from you!

Understanding Lawn Grass in Cool Weather

Michigan’s winter season lasts from December 21st to March 19th, bringing freezing temperatures, snow, and often dormant lawns. During this time, grass grows more slowly, and the focus shifts from active growth to maintaining its health for the warmer months ahead.

Before diving into winter lawn care techniques, it’s important to know how grass behaves during the cooler months. Michigan lawns typically consist of cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and fescues, which are well-suited for colder climates.

Understanding your grass type helps you tailor your winter care routine to its specific needs. For Michigan lawns with predominantly cool-season grasses, proper maintenance ensures they endure winter stress and come back strong in the spring.

Essential Winter Lawn Care Tips

1. Adjust Your Mowing Practices

Proper mowing during late fall and early winter sets the foundation for a healthy lawn during the colder months.

2. Watering Tips for Winter

Hunter Irrigation

While snow and rain typically provide sufficient moisture, there are a few key things to keep in mind:

3. Fertilization Adjustments for January

Fertilization

Winter is not the time for heavy fertilization, but there are still ways to provide nutrients for your lawn:

4. Keep the Lawn Clear

Debris like fallen leaves, branches, and other yard waste can suffocate your lawn by blocking sunlight and trapping moisture, creating an ideal environment for mold, mildew, and pests.

Plan Ahead for Spring

Meeting white snow and green grass with flowers close up - between winter and spring concept background

Winter is also an ideal time to plan ahead for spring lawn care. Once the snow melts and temperatures rise, your lawn will need aeration, dethatching, and fertilization to recover fully. By preparing early and addressing any winter damage promptly, you can set the stage for a lush, green lawn in the warmer months. The work you do during the winter—such as keeping the lawn clear, managing snow and ice, and protecting the grass from compaction—will make your spring lawn care efforts much more effective.

Snow Plowing Service in Muskegon, MI

Caring for your lawn during Michigan’s winter months doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding how grass behaves in cooler weather and following these winter lawn care tips, you can keep your lawn healthy and strong despite the snow and freezing temperatures.

Preferred Lawn Care and Snow Plowing offers a full range of commercial and residential snow removal services in Muskegon, Grand Haven, Whitehall, and the surrounding areas. We have the solutions for our customer’s needs to ensure alleys, driveways, streets, and sidewalks are safe, passable, clear, and accessible.

Call us today at (231) 638-5368 or connect with our Snow Plow Team online to learn more about our services and take the first step toward a beautiful, healthy lawn. Let us handle the hard work while you enjoy the results!