Winters in the Plainfield or Naperville, IL areas can be wet, cold, and dismal. With temperatures often dropping below freezing, this weather can take a toll on the lawn and landscape so preparation is essential to ensure it survives until the balmy spring temperatures arrive. As you search for lawn care near me, look for these services to protect your outdoor spaces.
Lawn Aeration
Aeration helps to improve the drainage and oxygenation of your lawn, which can make it more resistant to winter damage. It is recommended to aerate your lawn in the fall so that the aeration holes offer benefits before the winter cold sets in. Fall aeration is a crucial step before winter.
Improved drainage: Aeration helps to improve the drainage of the lawn by creating holes in the soil. This allows water to soak into the soil more easily, which helps to reduce runoff and puddling.
Reduced compaction: Compacted soil can make it difficult for roots to grow and absorb nutrients. Aeration helps to reduce compaction by loosening up the soil.
Increased oxygen levels: Aeration helps to increase the oxygen levels in the soil. This is beneficial for roots, as it helps them to grow and absorb nutrients more effectively.
Improved nutrient uptake: Aeration helps to improve the uptake of nutrients by the roots. This is because aeration allows nutrients to penetrate deeper into the soil, where the roots can reach them.
Reduced thatch buildup: Thatch is a layer of dead organic matter that can build up on the surface of the lawn. Thatch can smother the grass and prevent it from getting the sunlight and water it needs. Aeration can help to reduce thatch buildup by allowing water and oxygen to penetrate the soil and break down the thatch layer.
Overseeding
Overseeding helps to thicken your lawn and make it more resistant to winter damage. It is recommended to overseed your lawn in the fall so that the new grass has time to establish itself before the winter cold sets in.
Leaf Removal
Leaves can smother your lawn and prevent it from getting the sunlight it needs so it is important to have them removed from your lawn in the fall, before the winter cold sets in. Snow mold is a fungus that can thrive in moist, cool conditions, such as under a layer of leaves and snow, causing brown patches on the lawn which can be difficult to get rid of.
Leaves compact the soil underneath, making it difficult for grass roots to grow and absorb nutrients and leading to a thin and unhealthy lawn.
Winterizing the Irrigation System
It is important to winterize your lawn irrigation system before the first frost to prevent damage. This may involve draining the system, blowing out the lines, and covering the backflow preventer.
Prevent damage to the irrigation system by having the water removed before it freezes, damaging the pipes, valves, and other components of your irrigation system. Winterizing your system will help to prevent this damage.
Winterizing helps to prevent corrosion and other damage caused by the elements, helping you avoid costly repairs when you are ready to resume watering in the spring. Proper winter precautions protect irrigation, the landscape, and other outdoor areas from sustaining unnecessary damage.
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