Prep Now, Win in Spring
Winter in the Midwest is tough. While your grass is dormant, it's still vulnerable to damage from ice, snow, salt, and foot traffic. Proper preparation before the snow flies is key to a fast green-up in the spring.
The Final Cut
Your last mow of the season should be shorter than your summer height. Aim for about 2 to 2.5 inches. This prevents the grass from matting down under heavy snow, which is the primary cause of snow mold (a fungal disease that leaves pink or gray patches in the spring).
Equipment Maintenance
Don't leave gas in your mower over the winter! It will degrade and gum up the carburetor. Either run the mower until it's completely dry, or add a fuel stabilizer and run it for a few minutes to circulate it. This is also the perfect time to remove the blade and get it sharpened for spring.
The Winter Action Plan
- Clear the Deck: Remove all leaves, toys, hoses, and furniture from the lawn before the first snow. Objects left on the grass will kill it.
- Final Mow: Cut it down to 2-2.5 inches.
- Winterize Equipment: Drain the gas or add stabilizer. Clean the undercarriage of the mower.
- Stay Off: Avoid walking on frozen grass. The blades become brittle and will break, causing severe damage to the crown of the plant.
- Salt Carefully: Be mindful when salting your driveway and sidewalks. Rock salt (sodium chloride) burns grass roots. Try to use calcium chloride or magnesium chloride near the lawn edges.