Winter Preparation Tips for Your Property

Minnesotans, it’s that time of year again. The odds of a mild winter are slim in the North Star State, and there is a lot to get done before the freezing temperatures hit. Here’s your checklist for fall cleaning and winterizing your home and property.

Blowout Your Sprinklers

As temperatures begin to drop, one of the most critical tasks for preparing your property for winter is performing a sprinkler blowout. This process involves removing all the water from your irrigation system to prevent freezing and subsequent damage. We recommend scheduling a sprinkler blowout before the first hard freeze. 

Fertilize

Want to keep your turf strong? Fertilize your lawn one last time. Do this around October or November, before the grass blades start to lose their color. This will help your grass survive the winter and grow healthy again in spring.

Pull Up Weeds

You might think your weeding days are done, with winter just around the corner. But think again! Dandelion, henbit and chickweed are all cool-season weeds that rob nearby plants of water and nutrients. Weed your property thoroughly this fall, so your on-purpose flora has what it needs for a healthy winter sleep. 

Aerate

Soil compaction is a huge problem for many lawns. It can create thatch, which causes your lawn to thin out and die. By aerating, you help oxygen, nutrients and water reach the roots of your lawn so that it stays nice and healthy.

Protect Your Plants

Many plants cannot handle harsh Minnesota winters. Check which ones need to be brought inside or covered with burlap or frost protection cloth. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your outdoor plants to insulate the roots and retain moisture. 

Pick Up Debris

Debris isn’t just an eye sore. It’s bad for your yard. Fallen leaves, branches and other debris can become wet and compacted under snow, creating a breeding ground for mold, mildew and pests. This can lead to disease and damage to your lawn and plants.

Reseed

Fall is one of the best times of year to reseed bare spots in your yard. This is because of the cooler temperatures and greater moisture. After loosening the soil, sprinkle grass seed over bare patches and cover lightly with straw to keep birds away. Water these seeds until the grass grows back.

Mow Your Lawn

Mowing is one of the most important parts of winterizing your home’s lanscape. While mowing, gradually lower the cutting deck so that your lawn is an overall shorter height. This will keep animals away that want to burrow in your yard. Remember that you need to mow differently in fall than you would in spring or summer.

Make Fall Clean-Up Easy With Scott’s Lawn Care

As winter approaches and your to-do list grows, let Scott’s Lawn Care lighten the load. Our expert team will handle all your fall clean-up needs, ensuring your property is perfectly prepped for the colder months. From debris removal to winterizing your plants and irrigation systems, we’ve got you covered.

Relax and enjoy the cozy season. Contact us today to schedule your services.