Lawn maintenance is a year-round activity, but your approach must change in winter! Based on the grass type and climate, you should reduce watering the lawn during the colder months.
Turf grasses are perennial plants and, like trees and shrubs, enter a dormant phase in winter. The reduction in moisture, sunlight, temperature and nutrients triggers this dormancy.
Most turf grasses go dormant when daytime temperatures consistently stay below 40 degrees F. Adjust your sprinkler system and irrigation accordingly between October and December.
When should you stop watering your lawn in winter?
If you live in USDA hardiness zones 6 and lower, stop watering the lawn when ground freezes- usually by late November. In low-lying valleys and high- elevation areas, frost sets in earlier, so watering should stop ideally by the end of October. Those in hardiness zones 7 and above can continue watering the lawn until early December.
In the growing seasons, your lawn needs 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week to stay lush and green. In areas with little snowfall and prolonged dry spells, occasional winter watering may still be necessary.
However, overwatering the can damage dormant grass roots, leading to molds, weeds, bare spots, and pest invasions. Once temperatures drop below 40 degrees F, watering provides no benefits and can cause oversaturation and root damage. So, check lawn water usage during the colder months.
Signs that indicate it’s time to stop watering
Lawn care experts recommend gradually reducing watering to help harden the grass for winter. Look out these signs that your lawn is entering dormancy and needs less water.
- Repeated frosts- Frost occurring for three or more consecutive nights signals dormancy.
- Frozen ground- When the soil begins to freeze, water no longer reaches the roots effectively, leading to oversaturation.
- Consistently low temperature – When daytime temperatures stay below 40 degree F, moisture evaporates slowly, reducing the need for extra watering.
- Yellowing grass- As daylight hours shorten, grass naturally turns yellowish-brown.
- Slower growth- Lawns grow more slowly in winter, requiring less frequent mowing.
- Moist soil- Excess water encourages fungal and mold growth.
Effective winter lawn care tips
Winter lawn care requires less effort but still needs attention on your part. Follow these tips to keep your lawn healthy:
- Adjust mower height to prepare the turf for winter.
- Remove leaves and debris to ensure proper sunlight exposure.
- Apply winter fertilizer and aerate the thatch before the ground freezes.
- Water the lawn thoroughly before the first frost to support early spring growth.
- Monitor soil moisture. If the top 3- to 4-inches are dry, apply light watering.
- Resume watering during the day when temperatures rise above 40 degrees F.
- Use a watering can or hose for dry patches and inspect pipes for damage.
- Avoid walking on ice-covered grass to prevent damage
- In late winter, check for snow mold and fungi. Apply fungicide if necessary.
