winterizing your patio
Yard maintenance costs less during the winter months, but you’ll want to avoid completely forgetting about your lawn. If you live in a cold-weather climate, check your garden thoroughly before frost begins and temperatures drop below freezing. That way, you can be sure everything is taken care of for spring.
These tasks include raking leaves, collecting grass clippings, and applying a layer of mulch to protect against weeds. For most homeowners, these tasks should only take an afternoon or two. This will help save time when the hot weather arrives.
Sodding, reseeding, or hydroseeding.
If you’re looking for a whole new lawn, one of your first questions should be whether or not to put down sod. It’s easier than seeding a lawn anew, but it’s more likely to survive and thrive for years. If you decide that soding is right for you, it would be wise to find out how much grass is currently needed in your area. For example, the average cost per square foot ranges from $1 to $3.50 depending on where you live. This means that an 800-square-foot yard could cost you anywhere between $800 and $2,500.
Other options, such as manual seeding or hydroseeding, are also viable. They require more time and patience, but are generally a bit cheaper than re-seeding your entire lawn.
fertilize the grass
The best time to fertilize your lawn is in late winter and early spring, when the grass is actively growing. There are two types of fertilizer you can use for home lawns. First, there are slow-release products. These often come with three or four digit numbers, such as 10-10-10 or 4-4-2 or 18-6-12. These numbers indicate the amount of nitrogen, phosphate and potash in the product. Here’s some more information on how to choose the right mix.
Secondly, there are quick-release products. Quick-release products are more commonly used because they release their nutrients into the soil faster. However, they can burn your lawn if not applied properly. Make sure you follow the instructions closely.
A good rule of thumb is to apply slow-release products every other year, while using quick-release fertilizers twice per year. Most experts recommend applying one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet at each application. A 50-pound bag will cover approximately 5,000 square feet.
