Why You Need to Feed your Lawn Going Into Winter

The winter months can be a challenging period for your lawn as the cold and harsh weather conditions set in.

As the temperatures drop and the days become shorter, your grass undergoes stress that can impact its health and appearance.

One of the most commonly asked questions is should you feed your lawn in the autumn / winter period and is it really necessary?

Feeding your lawn as you approach winter is not just a good practice but a necessity, especially for those who want to maintain a healthy, beautiful lawn all year-round.

This article aims to shed light on why it’s crucial to feed your lawn going into the winter season.

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Is Autumn/ Winter Lawn Feed Necessary?

To answer this, let’s dive into why its beneficial to feed your lawn over the winter period.

The Vital Role of Nutrients

During the warmer months, your grass grows at a much faster rate and requires a lot of nutrients to maintain its lush, green appearance. Come autumn, the growth rate slows down but the nutrient requirement does not disappear entirely.

When it comes to winter lawn care, it’s essential to choose a feed specifically designed for the colder weather. Such feeds generally contain a balanced mix of nutrients that focus on root development and disease resistance rather than lush, rapid growth.

Autumn / Winter lawn feeds are specially formulated to prepare your grass for the cold months ahead. It is important to go for a slow-release balanced fertiliser during the autumn / winter.

Some of the key nutrients to look out for within the fertiliser are Nitrogen (N), Potassium (P) and Phosphorus (K) as these are essential nutrients for green and healthy grass:

Nitrogen (N) – Nitrogen is a key ingredient behind a healthy looking lawn as it’s essential for promoting growth and is what gives lawns that rich green colour.

Potassium (P) – Potassium is also an important nutrient for your lawn as it helps with better water uptake and provides strength to the whole plant. It helps the grass build thicker cell walls which in turn helps the plant withstand various stresses such as cold / heat or diseases.

Phosphorus (K) – Phosphorus is critical for stimulating root development and helping young grass establish itself.

Our Autumn / Winter Lawn Feed is ideal for this time of year as it’s specifically formulated for providing the best results when feeding your lawn in cold weather.

This feed is also non toxic too making the granules pet and child friendly.

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Is Feeding Your Lawn Worth The Investment?

So, is it worth feeding your lawn in autumn? The short answer is yes. Lawn feed during this transitional period is an investment in the overall well-being of your lawn.

Feeding your lawn in the autumn helps it to recover from the wear and tear of summer and provides it with the nutrients needed to survive the winter months.

Not only will you see the immediate results from applying an Autumn / Winter fertiliser, but come spring, you’ll have a lawn that’s greener, stronger, and less prone to disease.

Preparing for Winter

Autumn is generally wet and cool, but winters can be unpredictable, ranging from mildly cold to severe frost and snow. This climate poses a unique challenge for lawns.

Autumn / winter feeds adapted for the UK climate will usually have a mix of nutrients that not only strengthen your lawn but also make it more resilient to the hardships of a UK winter, including potential snowfall and freezing temperatures.

Feeding your lawn with an autumn / winter fertiliser can not only help your lawn withstand the harsh winter conditions but it can also help recovery so it bounces back in the spring time meaning your one step ahead with your lawn care regime.

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How Often Should I Feed My Lawn In the Winter?

This is a really important question as how often you feed your lawn can really make the difference to the health of your lawn.

Consistency is key when it comes to fertilising your lawn.

Frequency Matters

While it may vary depending on the specific feed you’re using and the local weather conditions, a general guideline is to apply winter feed once in late autumn and again when the frosts lift after winter.

Always read the instructions on your chosen lawn feed, as applying too much can do more harm than good.

Our Dark Green Autumn / Winter Lawn Feed should be applied every 8 – 12 weeks for best results. If you did an application early autumn time you will be able to get another feed in before the frosts set in.

November is a great time to get your last application down before any frosts creep in as lawn fertiliser should not be applied during frosty conditions.

How Do I Apply Autumn / Winter Feed To My Lawn?

Once you’ve chosen the appropriate winter feed for your lawn, the next step is to apply it correctly.

For best results it’s important to get the application techniques right so please follow our article on How to Apply Lawn Fertiliser.

Using a lawn spreader is a good way to ensure even coverage and minimise the risk of over-application.

Watering the lawn lightly after applying the feed can help in the quicker absorption of nutrients.

Always read and follow the guidelines on how much product to apply; overfeeding can lead to nutrient imbalances and other problems.

Additional Winter Lawn Care Tips for UK Homeowners

Besides feeding, there are other ways to prepare your lawn for the winter months.

For a more detailed guide please read November Lawn Care Tips which provides you with key information on how to prepare your lawn for winter.

Mowing

Reducing your mowing height gradually as winter approaches can help the grass to store more nutrients. If the lawn is not too wet or frozen, you can give your lawn a light trim. Keeping the grass a bit longer than usual can also help it to withstand the colder months better.

Dealing with Frost and Snow

Walking on a frosty or snowy lawn can damage the grass, leading to disease and unsightly patches.

It’s advisable to stay off the lawn during frosty periods and after snowfall. If you absolutely must walk on the grass, try to lay down boards or mats to distribute your weight evenly.

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Dealing with Moss and Thatch

Winter is also an excellent time to deal with moss and thatch which are common issues in the wet UK climate. Controlling moss in your lawn going into winter is key for a healthier lawn. Start by raking or dethatching to remove debris.

Consider using our Moss Treatment called Iron sulphate max strength to target existing moss growth. This product will help combat moss and enhance your lawn’s vitality.

This Iron Sulphate based product will turn moss black and help green up your grass. It can also help protect against lawn diseases.

After treating moss in your lawn, you can reseed any bare spots with a specialised Grass Seed For Cold Weather. Reseeding can help reduce moss-friendly areas.

Consistent lawn maintenance practices, such as proper mowing and watering, are essential to Get Rid Of Moss From Your Lawn.

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Final Preparations

Before the first frost sets in, make sure to remove any leaves or debris from the lawn. Such materials can become a breeding ground for fungi and other lawn diseases.

A final cut and one last feeding can put your lawn in the best possible state before winter truly sets in.

Conclusion

Feeding your lawn going into winter is a crucial aspect of year-round lawn care, especially in the UK, where winter conditions can vary greatly.

An autumn feed prepares your lawn for the cold months ahead, while a winter feed keeps it healthy during dormancy.

Beyond feeding, keeping your lawn clean and removing moss and thatch can also contribute to a healthier, more resilient lawn over winter.

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FAQ’s

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