Winterizing Done Right: How To Prepare Your Yard For South Michigan Conditions

October ushers in a flurry of Halloween decorating inside and, more importantly, outside. Purple lights and plastic tombstones may give your lawn a spooky vibe, but there’s one thing that matters more than giving trick or treaters a scare. Winterizing your outdoor space. Otherwise, the graveyard you’re creating could be permanent if you don’t prepare your lawn for the frigid months ahead.

In early fall, plants begin storing energy. Weeding the lawn and garden ahead of Halloween can reduce the competition for nutrients. As the leaves continue to fall from trees, take time to pick them up along with other yard debris to ensure your grass has unlimited access to air and sunshine.

The turf will benefit from an extra boost of nutrition. Visionary Fertilization includes two types of fertilizer as part of their Seven-Step Lawn Care Treatment Program . First, our team applies a slow-release blend to keep your turf strong and healthy. A second, pre-winter, potassium-rich fertilizer then provides nutrients and helps keep the soil moist. Moist soil holds heat longer, protecting the plant’s roots. While snow can also act as an insulator, adding 3 to 4 inches of mulch (especially at the base of newly planted trees, shrubs, or flowers) will make it harder for cold air to penetrate the roots. Visionary Fertilization’s Winterguard can also help seal in moisture.

Heavy snowfall can weigh down and matte grass. During cold, wet weather, fungal disease can spread rapidly underneath the snow cover. Pink ( Microdochium nivale ) or gray ( Typhula incarnata ) mold can grow. Even though neither mold has been known to kill turfgrass, it’s essential to clear it out and treat the yard.

Visionary Fertilization experts have several methods to treat and prevent mold and other diseases that can damage your yard. The Tree and Shrub Program is centered around three separate fungicide applications. Our specialists have also developed a Rust Fungicide Program for trees showing Rust signs after, especially months of freezing conditions.

If you’ve been on top of weekly maintenance, prepping for cold temperatures will be much smoother. If you’re a new homeowner, need an extra hand, or you’re looking to make up for lost time before the winter freeze, contact the professionals at Visionary Fertilization . Our team can help prep, diagnose, and customize a plan of action to keep your yard thriving during winter.