When you live in SoCal the last thing on your mind is how to prepare lawn for winter. Most days are sunny minus the few days where a random storm comes and goes within a few hours. However, just because we don’t have to worry about getting our irrigation systems ready for a freezing winter doesn’t mean you should completely ignore winterizing. In fact, this is the perfect time to prepare your lawn for a blossoming spring. Instead of a cold winter we get harsh summers that can harm your lawn.
Get ready for spring by preparing lawn for winter.
Fertilize
Normally, the first step to prepare lawn for winter is to winterize the irrigation system. Luckily, in SoCal, we don’t have to worry about frozen pipes as much as elsewhere. Fertilizing instead is our first step. You’ll want to find a fertilizer that is specific to the season called “winterizers.” be sure to talk to a professional at the store before choosing a fertilizer for your lawn. The goal is to choose a fertilizer that will help root growth, leaf growth, and flowering. It’s a good idea to fertilize the lawn before soil temp dips below 50 degrees. Wait too long, and the grass may not absorb the fertilizer as it should.
Weed Treatments
Many people think weeds only pop up during spring or summer, but there are fall weeds as well. During the fall individual weeds start to store food for the winter. Use a safe herbicide to ensure these weeds are killed before they start storing food. The best time to use herbicides is in the fall. By spreading herbicide in the fall, you can be sure that the chemicals travel all the way down from the leaves to the roots. To prepare lawn for winter means creating a defense against weeds.
Flower Bulbs
Believe it or not, fall is also the perfect time to plant flower bulbs. Planting spring bulbs in the fall allow them to absorb plenty of water from the soil and blossom beautifully in the spring. The perfect temperature to plant flower bulbs in is 40 to 50 degrees in the evening. To plant flower bulbs you need to first loosen the soil at a depth of at least 8’’. Place bigger bulbs at the lowest point of 8’’ and smaller bulbs at about 5’’ deep. Place the bulb right side up or on its side if you can’t figure out where the top is located. Once set, fill the hole with soil and lightly compress it, don’t pack the ground heavily. In Southern California, you’ll want to water only depending on precipitation levels.
Prepare your lawn for winter and planting flower bulbs is an excellent way to make sure you get a beautiful spring. Drought conditions, of course, play a role in Southern California. Just be sure to stay aware of any water regulations that may be set in your area.
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