How to prepare your lawn for winter

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The mild wet summer has left lawns in much better shape than usual, this year. As the fall and winter season quickly approach, now is the time to feed your lawn.

Fertilizer in the fall insures a healthier lawn in the spring.

"As the lawn goes into dormancy the latter part of November, it needs to have food reserves built up in it, so it can get through our normally cold and snowy Indiana winters," said Bob Andrews of the Greenskeeper.

Andrews also said weed control is something that can be done now as well. It's important not to over fertilize, but don't ignore it either.

"Rake this thoroughly so you get good seed to soil contact," said Andrews.

According to Andrews, fall is also the right time to reseed areas on the lawn that need it. And he said don't forget to rake those leaves, once in October and again at the end of November.

"One of the big problems we see in our business is people don't cleanup leaves," said Andrews. "They matt down on the grass over the winter and that suffocates the lawn."

Another good idea in the fall said Andrews is core aeration.

"It reduces thatch build up which is a real problem in our bluegrass lawns. It also opens holes in the lawn so that the grass plant can get down in the soil with its root system," said Andrews.

Lawn care can be a do it yourself job. But Angie Hicks of Angie's List said it’s the kind of job that requires the discipline to get it done.

"If you're thinking about hiring out a lawn fertilization company they should come out and give you an estimate on premises. Walk through your yard, tell you what you might need," said Hicks.

Hicks also said homeowners should get three written estimates for their lawn care, making sure what will be done is spelled out in writing.

One other important note; don't stop mowing just because the temperature drops. Grass should be mowed until it stops growing that won't happen until after the first freeze.