Winter can be a challenging time for lawn care with the cold temperatures. December lawn care tips focus on protection and maintenance of your lawn.
Maintaining your lawn during winter preserves it. This practice also sets the stage for better recovery and growth in the spring.
5 Key Winter Lawn Care Tips
Avoid making the biggest mistakes when growing grass by following these simple lawn care tips for maintaining your lawn during Winter
Clear leaves and debris
Regularly remove fallen leaves / debris from your lawn to prevent them from suffocating the grass.
Only mow your lawn if necessary
Monitor the temperatures and if there are signs of growth you can trim your lawn to keep it tidy. To avoid damage do not cut your lawn in the wet or frosty conditions.
Feed your Lawn
Use a specialised Autumn/ Winter Lawn feed to give your lawn the right level of nutrients for the time of year.
Minimise Usage
In wet and frosty conditions, stay off your lawn. Protect your lawn this winter by minimizing foot traffic. Avoid excessive weight and be mindful of freezing temperatures.
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Can I Mow My Lawn In December?
Typically you will not need to cut your grass in December. Grass growth slows significantly in cold temperatures and it stops completely if temperatures drop really low.
When temperatures are milder and you notice your grass growing, you can give your lawn a light trim. Make sure the ground isn’t waterlogged or frozen first before cutting the grass. Mowing your lawn too short in the winter can expose it to damage.
Can I Overseed My Lawn In December?
To even think about sowing grass seed in December, you’ll need to consider a few different factors. For more information please see our guide on can I grow grass seed in cold weather.
It is likely that temperatures will be too cold this month for seeding, however now is a good time to prepare for overseeding in early spring.
In early spring time the soil temperatures can still be very cold after the winter months as they tend to lag from the previous season so it is important to use a grass seed mix that germinates in lower temperatures like the cold pro winter active mix. This germinates in soil temperatures as low as 5 degrees and above.
Can I Feed My Lawn In December?
It is important to use a specialised winter lawn fertilsier when feeding your lawn in the colder conditions.
During Autumn and Winter growth slows, but the plant focuses on building strong roots, storing nutrients, and resisting cold weather. It benefits more from potassium and other hardening nutrients.
Autumn/ Winter Lawn Feed has much lower nitrogen and higher potassium. Too much nitrogen in winter encourages soft, sappy growth that’s easily damaged by frost. Potassium strengthens the grass cell walls, making it tougher against cold, disease, and wear.
Our dark green lawn feed is a slow-release fertiliser. It gradually breaks down into the soil over time so your lawn receives the right level of nutrients for up to 90 days
Tip: Lawn feed can be spread evenly with a hand held lawn spreader. Avoid feeding your lawn if there is a frost.
Can I Scarify My Lawn In December?
Scarification benefits your lawn during some months of the year. However, scarifying during the colder months can do more harm than good.
During these times, grass growth slows down significantly due to lower temperatures and shorter days. Scarifying a lawn in this dormant state can lead to weakened grass. The grass struggles to recover. It becomes more susceptible to diseases and winter damage.
It’s advisable to scarify during the growing season. The grass can recover quickly during this time. You should wait till early spring to scarify.
Can I Aerate My Lawn In December?
Aerating your lawn in December is not advised at this time of year. By perforating the soil water can enter and freeze in the ground causing it to heave and become uneven. The lawn might be too wet or frosty and aeration will result in a mud bath!
Aerate your lawn in early spring or Autumn. Around April is ideal as the soil begins to warm. This is when grass enters its active growing phase. This timing ensures optimal results, giving your lawn the best start to a healthy, lush growing season.
Using Hollow Core Lawn Aerator produces deep cores that allow airflow, water, and nutrients to reach deep into the soil to the root zone. This process reduces soil compaction, promotes better root growth, and improves overall lawn vitality.
How Do You Treat Moss In December?
Controlling moss in your lawn requires a combination of preventive measures. You also need active methods. This is especially important during the damp and cold month of December.
Here’s how you can effectively manage moss in your lawn:
Improve Drainage Moss thrives in damp, poorly-drained soils. Consider ways of improving drainage in your lawn. Aerating your lawn in spring and autumn can also help with drainage issues.
Adjust Mowing Height: Keep your grass at a healthy height. Avoid cutting it too short as this can weaken the grass, giving moss an opportunity to establish.
Maintain Soil pH: Test your soil’s pH and adjust it if necessary. Moss often grows in acidic soil, so liming your lawn can help if the pH is too low.
Enhance Sunlight and Air Flow: Prune overhanging branches and remove debris. This will increase sunlight and air circulation. Both are vital for reducing moss growth.
Use a Moss treatment: If you have moss in your lawn, apply a moss treatment. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
Rake Out Dead Moss: After treating your lawn with a moss control, rake out the dead moss. This will also help to remove thatch and improve air flow to the soil.
Top Tip
Green Machine liquid iron is ideal for winter application. It’s low in nitrogen but high iron which means fantastic colour without too much growth.
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FAQ’s
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Thanks for the info. I reseeded a small area of my lawn about 5 weeks ago, with your cold start seed, and am delighted how quickly it has shot up. I understand that new grass requires trimming to promote growth but am reluctant use a mower because of likely damage from the weight of the mower with the ground so wet. Would it be a better idea to trim the tips of the shoots with shears ?
hi mike you could do that if its a small area yes or if possible wait for a few dry days and avoid turning the mower on that spot (e.g. forward and backward)
Am I to late to treat my lawn with nematodes many thanks