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Before we talk about the joyful (joyless? Who’s to say, really?) task of putting up your holiday yard decorations and the implications it can have on your lawn, let’s do a quick recap of what happens to your lawn in the winter:
First off, what your lawn does in the winter depends widely on where you live. If you live in a warm climate where the temperature seldom drops below 40 degrees, your grass will likely keep trucking along as usual. But for much of the United States, winter brings chilly temperatures—temperatures that force grass to enter a period of dormancy in order to survive. This dormancy is a bit like the grass’ version of hibernation: it knows it’s going to have trouble maintaining the energy it needs to thrive, so it slows its roll and shuts down everything that is not strictly necessary for its survival—hence why grass largely stops growing and turns brown in the winter. More than anything, what’s important to remember is that your lawn is vulnerable and defenseless during the wintertime.
Which brings us to your holiday lawn decorations. What? You mean in its poor and defenseless state grass doesn’t like being stabbed repeatedly by the feet of a ladder when you hang lights on your gutter? Nonsense. All joking aside, it is worth being at least a tad mindful when it comes to decorating your yard this year. Let’s take a look at two quick things you can do to keep it in tip-top shape:
In short, be a little mindful when decorating your yard this year. Your lawn will thank you come spring.
Introduction
As December rolls in, the divide between the North and South becomes clear in lawn care. In the North, winter has often settled in, with fallen leaves either already cleaned up or buried beneath snow. Meanwhile, in the South, leaves may still be falling, and temperatures remain more temperate, keeping lawns active. Whether your yard is dormant or still thriving, this guide will help you care for your lawn in December and set it up for success in the months ahead.
Lawn Care in the South
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In the South, December brings cooler temperatures, but lawns remain more active than in northern regions. While some grasses may slow their growth, tasks like leaf cleanup, occasional mowing, and proactive maintenance remain key to keeping your yard healthy. With milder weather, now is also a good time to address bare patches and prepare for any sudden frosts. Let’s look at the top priorities this December.
1. Continue Leaf Cleanup
Leaves may still be falling in the South, and it’s essential to stay on top of cleanup. Allowing leaves to pile up can block sunlight, trap moisture, and create the perfect environment for pests and diseases. The most effective method of leaf cleanup is a leaf vacuum, such as Cyclone Rake.
2. Monitor Lawn Health
Warmer temperatures mean weeds and pests could still be active. Keep an eye out for intruders like dollarweed or fire ants and address them promptly to protect your lawn.
3. Mow If Necessary
Grass in Southern regions like Bermuda or St. Augustine may continue to grow slowly. Mow sparingly, keeping blades sharp and grass at the recommended height to avoid stress.
4. Aerate and Overseed
If your lawn has compacted areas or bare spots, December is a great time to aerate the soil and overseed. This ensures the grass is strong enough to outcompete weeds when growth resumes in spring.
5. Water Strategically
While watering needs decrease during cooler months, occasional deep watering may still be necessary in dry areas. Always adjust based on rainfall and ensure you’re not overwatering.
6. Protect from Frost
In areas susceptible to frost, take precautions by covering sensitive plants or mulching around vulnerable root systems. Simple frost protection measures can often mean the difference of your plant surviving winter or not.
Lawn Care in the North
In the North, December marks the transition into full dormancy for most lawns. With fallen leaves cleaned up and snow often covering the ground, your focus shifts to protecting your lawn from winter damage and preparing for spring. Properly storing equipment and safeguarding sensitive plants from frost are essential steps to ensure a healthy start when warmer weather returns. Let’s look at the top priorities this December.
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1. Store Lawn Equipment Properly
With winter in full swing, now is the time to clean and service your lawn equipment. Empty fuel tanks or add stabilizer to prevent clogs, and store everything in a dry place to avoid rust. This step ensures your tools are ready to go when spring arrives.
2. Winterize Your Lawn
If the ground hasn’t frozen yet, apply a winter fertilizer to strengthen grass roots for a healthier start in spring. This is especially important for cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass or fescue.
3. Avoid Lawn Traffic
Grass that’s dormant or under snow cover can be easily damaged. Minimize foot traffic to avoid compacting the soil or creating dead patches that will need repair later.
4. Inspect for Ice Damage
Ice storms can wreak havoc on trees and shrubs, leaving branches scattered on your lawn. Regularly check for damage and prune broken limbs to keep debris from harming the grass below.
5. Protect Sensitive Plants from Frost
If you haven’t already, make sure to shield delicate plants from frost. Use coverings like burlap, frost blankets, or even old sheets to provide insulation. Mulching around their base can also help protect root systems from extreme cold.
6. Plan for Spring
Winter is the perfect time to evaluate your lawn’s needs. Take note of any areas that struggled during the growing season and research solutions, such as overseeding or adjusting soil pH, so you’re prepared when warmer weather returns.
Conclusion
Whether your lawn is resting under a blanket of snow in the North or thriving in the temperate South, December is a crucial month to give it the care it needs. It’s the perfect time to wrap up fall maintenance, protect your lawn for winter, and lay the groundwork for a strong start in spring. With the right attention to regional needs, your lawn will stay healthy, resilient, and ready to shine when the growing season returns.