How to Prepare Your Lawn for Winter in Ohio
A little effort now means a lush, vibrant lawn come spring. Winter prep shields your grass from weeds, frost, and disease. Need a professional lawn care technician in Ohio? Contact Portage Turf Specialist. Here are 10 winter lawn care tips:
Tidy up your lawn.
Winter lawn care starts with a good cleanup. Rake up leaves, clear debris, and scarify to remove thatch from the lawn to let it breathe and get sunlight.
Trim overhanging branches to reduce shade and improve air circulation. This helps prevent moisture buildup and fungal diseases. A tidy lawn now means fewer problems come spring.
Aerate the soil.
Aerate your lawn to improve airflow, water absorption, and nutrient access. Use a core aerator to remove plugs of soil, focusing on compact areas.
Aeration is best done in the fall before the ground freezes, but if your soil is compacted and weather conditions allow, you can still aerate during mild winter days.
Overseed bare patches before winter.
Overseed bare spots in fall or early November so the grass can establish before winter. Loosen the soil, spread the seeds evenly, and rake it in. Water to keep the soil moist, and cover with straw or mulch for protection.
Schedule your dormant winter pruning.
Dormant pruning is one of the best ways to prepare your trees and shrubs for healthy growth in spring. By removing dead, damaged, or overgrown branches while plants are inactive, you reduce the risk of snow or ice damage and give your landscape a fresh start.
Right now, Portage Turf Specialists is offering 10% OFF Dormant Pruning Services + FREE Plant Health Inspection (a $75 value). Request a quote here.
Keep weeds in check.
Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in the fall to prevent seeds from germinating. Products with prodiamine or dithiopyr are effective for most lawns.
If weeds are already growing, use a post-emergent herbicide like 2,4-D Amine for broadleaf weeds, or manually remove weeds by pulling out the root to prevent regrowth.
For tougher spots like driveways or walkways, use a non-selective herbicide like Eraser (glyphosate-based) but keep it off your lawn to avoid damage. Always check the product label for application rates and compatibility with your grass type.
Skip the high-nitrogen fertilizers.
Winter is not the time for high-nitrogen fertilizers. Nitrogen promotes growth, which your lawn doesn’t need while dormant, and can even cause disease. Instead, if you need to fertilize, choose a product high in phosphorus or potassium to strengthen roots and overall turf health.
For most lawns, a well-timed fall fertilizer application is enough to carry it through winter. If you’re boosting soil health during the colder months, opt for a soil tonic or seaweed-based solution instead. These support root development without promoting unnecessary growth.
Adjust your mowing routine.
In Ohio, cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, and Perennial Ryegrass don’t need much mowing in winter.
Keep the grass at 2.5–3.5 inches to protect it from frost. Mow only if it gets too tall, and always use a grass catcher to avoid clippings causing fungal problems.
Cut back on watering.
In winter, cool-season grasses go dormant or grow very slowly, so they don’t need much water. Turn off your irrigation system or water sparingly if there’s a dry spell.
If you do water, do it in the morning to give the grass time to dry before nightfall, which helps prevent fungal diseases.
Stay off frosted grass.
Walking on frosted grass can break the blades and cause lasting damage to your lawn. Frost makes grass brittle, and pressure from foot traffic crushes the frozen blades, leaving them prone to disease and slow recovery.
If you notice frost on your lawn, avoid walking on it until it thaws. This simple step protects your grass and keeps it healthy for spring.
Hire a Professional Lawn Care Company.
Preparing your lawn for winter is a very time-consuming job. Turf professionals in Ohio like Portage Turf Specialists handle everything, from pruning to weed control, to keep your lawn healthy year-round. With expert lawn care service, you’ll save time and ensure your lawn is ready to thrive come spring.
Why Choose Portage Turf Specialist
Short answer? We create the most stunning lawns in Ohio. At Portage Turf Specialists, we start with a free soil test and analysis to understand exactly what your lawn needs.
Our state-licensed technicians use organic-based fertilizers for sustainable, eco-friendly growth and deliver proven results that speak for themselves. We handle every aspect of lawn care so you can enjoy a greener, healthier lawn all year long.
Our full-service lawn care services include:
- Lawn Fertilization and Weed Control Programs
- Frost Seeding (Late Winter/Early Spring)
- Tree/Shrub Revitalization Program
- Dormant Pruning (November-March)
- Mineral Deficiency Boosters
- Fall Aeration
- Fall Seeding Options
- Disease Control Programs, and more.
Winter Lawn Care FAQs
Should I worry about insects during the winter?
Yes, pests like grubs overwinter in the soil. Right now, Portage Turf Specialists is offering 25% OFF our insect programs. Get a quote here.
How can I protect my lawn from snow damage?
Avoid piling snow and limit foot traffic to prevent compaction and fungal issues like snow mold.
Is aerating my lawn before winter necessary?
Yes, it improves soil oxygen and nutrient absorption, especially in compacted areas.
Can I overseed my lawn if it’s late in the season?
Overseed in mild weather and cover with mulch or straw to protect seeds from frost.
How can I prepare my lawn for winter?
Here are 10 steps to prepare your lawn for winter:
- Tidy up your lawn.
- Aerate the soil.
- Overseed bare patches before winter.
- Schedule your dormant winter pruning.
- Keep weeds in check.
- Skip the high-nitrogen fertilizers.
- Adjust your mowing routine.
- Cut back on watering.
- Stay off frosted grass.
- Hire a professional lawn care company.
