As cold weather arrives this November, there are still things you can do to ensure your lawn remains healthy throughout the year – even during its dormant period. There are many myths out there about cold weather lawn care; myths that may discourage you from providing the care your property needs. At Scientific Plant Service, we understand that winter lawn care can be confusing. To help make things clear, we will debunk five of the most common cold weather lawn care myths. When you are ready to provide your yard the care it needs, contact your experienced lawn care advisors at Scientific Plant Service.
Winter Lawn Care is a Waste of Time
Many homeowners assume that because your yard is dormant during the winter, temperatures are cold, and days are short, there is no reason to maintain the condition of your lawn. While grass may grow much slower during colder months, that doesn’t mean you should completely neglect it for a quarter of the year. Keep an eye on your grass, trees, and shrubs to ensure that cold weather issues such as snow mold do not develop.
I Don’t Have to Mow My Lawn Fall and Winter
If the temperature outside is above freezing and the sun is shining then it can continue to grow. This is why lawns in Maryland often continue to grow through October and why mowing your lawn does not end abruptly on Labor Day. Consult Scientific Plant Service for advice on mowing.
Fertilization Is Only Done in the Spring
Another common lawn care myth is that fertilization is only needed in springtime. While applying fertilizer in the spring is beneficial for the growing season in spring and summer, that is not the only time your lawn can benefit from a nutritional boost. Fall is an excellent time to provide nutrients to your grass so it can build up carbohydrates in the root system and bounce back in spring and summer.
Damaged Plants Cannot Be Revived
If frost seems to kill a favorite shrub or ornamental plant, homeowners may get quite upset. However, not all hope is lost. Many plants are very resilient, and a lot of species may appear to be dead when they are simply dormant for the winter. Continue to nurture your grass and landscape plants, and you may be pleasantly surprised at how well your yard may continue to flourish throughout the year.
You Can Never Water Your Lawn in Winter
Another cold-weather lawn care myth is that watering your lawn stops when summer does. You can periodically water your lawn in autumn, taking longer breaks between waterings once temperatures drop to the low 30s. However, you should stop once the ground freezes over. Before then, your lawn may still benefit from watering when the soil is dry.
Scientific Plant Service Is Your Go-To Source In Landscape Healthcare
Scientific Plant Service, located in Baltimore, is a privately owned corporation, chartered in Maryland in 1957 by Frank J. Burke. We started as a full-service Arborists specializing in the care of shade trees and ornamental shrubs, but today we are a Lawn Care company that is a huge part of the community. From aquatic environments and snow management to deer and mole control, SPS has services tailored specifically for your lawn and landscape.
We offer services in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia, including: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Calvert counties in MD, as well as Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church in VA. For more information, contact us online, or call us at 410-321-0970. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Pinterest.