12 Jun 2022 • Blog• 4 min read Lawn Winterization Tips: How To Keep Your Yard Looking Great During Winter by Mark Joseph Aduana WHAT YOUR LAWN NEEDS TO SURVIVE THE WINTERIn the winter, lawns are especially vulnerable to harsh weather. For your grass to flourish in the cold season, begin preparing for winter as soon as fall arrives.Before you prepare your lawn for the winter, understand the soil in your yard's unique qualities. The soil's ph, alkaline, and acidic levels will need to be checked.It doesn't matter whether you're a soil scientist or not. Thankfully, the United States Department of Agriculture gives free assistance through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, which is connected to the Land-Grant University System.The LGU system includes 1862 public universities, 1890 Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and 1994 Tribal Colleges and Universities. Department “extensions” with officials specializing in agriculture, food, and the environment are available at these colleges and universities. Contact your local university or extension for information about soil and grass conditions specific to your location.After identifying which nutrients your soil requires, you need to weed, aerate, fertilize, water, and seed to get the most out of your lawn during the winter months.WEEDWeeds are plants that compete with your grass for nutrients. Imagine weeds as unwanted party guests; these parasites soak up too much food and water, leaving your lawn malnourished.Best of the best weed killerRoundup For LawnsAvailable at AmazonOur take: This is a low-cost and effective weed killer that is rainproof within three hours.What we like: You can spot treat your lawn using the extended want.What we dislike: The battery-operated spritzer does not work, according to some customers.Best bang for your buck weed killerOrtho B Gon Weed Killer for Lawns ConcentrateAvailable at AmazonOur take: Works well against hundreds of different weeds, including dandelions.What we like: Kills weeds without harming your grass.What we dislike: It isn't as effective on clover or creeping Charlie.Best affordable weed killerSpectracide Weed StopAvailable at AmazonOur take: A budget-friendly option.What we like: It effectively kills grassy weeds - clover, dandelion, crabgrass, chickweed, and yellow nutsedge.What we dislike: You may need to apply more than once to see results.FERTILIZEFertilizer is the food your grass requires to survive the winter. The three primary components of all fertilizers are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.Fertilizers labeled 'winter,' 'fall,' or 'shade' differ in the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Refer to your soil test result to determine what combination you need.Best of the best fertilizerScotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Lawn FoodAvailable at Amazon.Our take: This fertilizer helps develop strong deep roots in the spring, resulting in better grass.What we like: This fertilizer aids in the absorption of water nutrients.What we dislike: When left in a bag for an extended period, big clumps might develop.Best bang for your buck fertilizerScotts Turf Builder Winterguard Fall Weed and FeedAvailable at Amazon.Our take: This fall fertilizer serves as a weed killer and a fertilizer. It's a cost-effective way to complete two lawn-winterizing tasks at once.What we like: This product kills weeds while also providing nutrients to the lawn to help it stay strong during the winter.What we dislike: It's not advised for St. Augustine grass, which is very popular in Florida and the rest of the Gulf States.Best splurge fertilizerSuper Juice All-in-One Soluble Supplement Lawn FertilizerAvailable at AmazonOur take: This may be used as the main fertilizer or in addition to your granulated combination. Water-soluble.What we like: The lawn absorbs nutrients quickly since it is sprayed on. This fertilizer can also cover an acre.What we dislike: This item is not available to South Dakota or California residents.AERATEAeration helps your lawn breathe and absorb water more effectively by breaking up the soil.Best of the best aeratorAgri-Fab 48-Inch Tow Plug AeratorAvailable at AmazonOur take: This machine can be used to aerate hard soils, including clay, thanks to its universal hitch.What we like: This aerator is well-built and comes with a 3-year warranty. It will last for many years.What we dislike: Bulky and may be too big for a smaller lawn.Best bang for your buck aeratorYard Butler Multi Spike Lawn AeratorAvailable at AmazonOur take: Its 3-inch spikes dig into the earth and help loosen the soil. Requires more effort.What we like: It also has a smaller form that makes it ideal for tight areas that larger aerators can't access.What we dislike: This aerator requires more work and takes longer to complete.Best simple aeratorAgri-Fab Push Spike AeratorAvailable at AmazonOur take: If you prefer not to muscle your way through your grass, this rolling technique allows you to aerate it manually in less time.What we like: You may also drive spikes further into the grass by adding a concrete block.What we dislike: Challenging to use.SEEDDuring the summer, lawns suffer a lot of damage. Heat, drought, and outdoor activities can result in missing grass areas on lawns known as "bald spots." It's ideal to seed lawns in the fall to allow them to take hold over the winter and spring for a lush lawn.Best of the best seed mixScotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Northeast MixAvailable at AmazonOur take: This grass mixture is disease-resistant and designed for cold-weather conditions in the Northeast. Scotts Turf Builder comes in a Pacific Northwest Mix and a Southern Gold Mix.What we like: This seed combination produces dense growth patterns that aid in the removal of crabgrass and dandelions.What we dislike: Needs to be watered more frequently than other seed mixtures.Best bang for your buck seed mixJonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed MixAvailable at AmazonOur take: A mix of grasses will proliferate with this seed combination, resulting in a thick green lawn.What we like: It thrives in clay and sandy soils.What we dislike: Some seeds may not germinate completely, causing uneven growth.Best quick fix seed mixScotts PatchMaster Lawn Repair Mix Sun and Shade MixAvailable at AmazonOur take: A fast-acting remedy for bald patches in your lawn.What we like: It's mixed with mulch, fertilizer, and seeds and is perfect for tiny lawns that don't go through an extended deep freeze.What we dislike: This combination is only for patching. This seed mix is not meant to be sprayed over the entire lawn.Sign up here for the RevuuBuddy newsletter to get special product suggestions and significant discounts on new items.