The winter brings cold weather, frost, snow, and even freezing temperatures. Most plants hibernate during the winter months. Even house plants stop their growth cycle. Gardeners and property owners water their lawns regularly to help maintain a lush, green turf. But, you may wonder if you should water your lawn in the winter. Many people wonder if it is a good idea, even though snow may be on the ground.
Should You Water Your Lawn In The Winter
If you are curious about winter lawn care and keeping your lawn healthy, we can help. Keep reading to learn more about caring for your grass in the cooler months and if you should water your lawn, trees, and shrubs in the winter.
Understanding Grass Roots
Every plant or tree has a root system, and it is here that most nourishment occurs. It is essential to understand the need for roots and how to care for them when the temperature drops. This will ensure your grass is well cared for and healthy all year.
Grass is dormant during the cool season; however, it is not dead. Taking care of the roots keeps your lawn hydrated and healthy even in the winter. Grassroots can become dehydrated if they go without moisture for too long. This can happen in the drought season or in the winter, eventually causing them to die.
Grass can look healthy even when it is drying out under the surface. Keeping the roots watered during the winter, especially during the cold, dry season is essential.
Proper Winter Watering
Now that you know watering your grass is essential even during the winter, knowing when to water is the next step. Water your grass before the ground is too cold, and water ahead of the frost. This gives your lawn time to soak in the moisture it needs to thrive and keep your lawn and its roots safe from frost damage.
Watering helps the grass to survive over the long winter. It helps to fight against the typical damage that comes from cold and frost during the winter season.
Water your lawn during the daytime for at least a few days before the anticipated frost. This will give the water ample time to absorb and reach the roots to soak into the surrounding soil.
Don’t Over Water Your Lawn
It can be tempting to soak your lawn, knowing you won’t water it again for some time. This is one of the worst things you can do.
Over the summer months, grass needs more water because the heat and the sun’s direct rays cause moisture to evaporate. In addition, in the spring and summer, your grass is in its active growth cycle, so it needs more moisture and nutrients to grow.
In the winter, there is less heat, and your grass is dormant. During the cooler months, you only need to give your lawn about an inch of water each week. This is generally half the amount it would get during the spring and summer.
Final Thoughts on Winter Lawn Care
The first step in achieving a magazine-worthy lawn is proper care and watering. Once you have these steps in order, you should focus on winterizing your grass.
Make sure you drain your sprinkler system properly. This helps prevent damage to the sprinkler system and grass over the cold months.
The last thing you want is a pipe to burst in the middle of winter, leaving your lawn waterlogged and filled with patches of ice. Work with a professional lawn care company in Omaha to get your lawn winter-ready.
Pioneer Underground Lawn Sprinklers | Omaha’s Best Commercial & Residential Sprinkler Systems
Contact Pioneer Underground Lawn Sprinklers to schedule a free estimate on a system install or to find out what you can do to make your existing system more efficient. We welcome commercial and residential clients. And remember, whether you need our services now… or later in the season, Your Healthy Lawn is Our Passion and we are only a phone call away! Call 402-934-7900 to schedule your service.