Winter in Colorado can be harsh on your lawn. Snow, frost, and dry air can weaken grass and leave you with dead spots by spring. The good news? With the right care before and during winter, you can protect your lawn and ensure a healthier, greener return.
Here are 17 essential winter lawn care tips to get you there.
1. Aerate in Fall
Loosen compacted soil so air, water, and nutrients can reach roots before the ground freezes. Best done 4–6 weeks before the first frost.
2. Apply a Winter Fertilizer
Use a low-nitrogen, high-potassium blend to strengthen roots. Apply 2–3 weeks before soil freeze.
3. Remove Leaves and Debris
Leaves trap moisture and block light, encouraging disease. Rake regularly or mulch with your mower.
4. Final Mow: 2.5–3 Inches
Cut grass shorter than summer height, but not too short. This prevents snow mold and keeps grass healthy through dormancy.
5. Overseed Thin Spots
Patch bare areas with cool-season seed. Seed early enough to establish before frost.
6. Limit Foot Traffic
Frozen grass breaks easily and can’t recover until spring. Avoid walking on it, especially during frosty mornings.
7. Shovel with Care
Don’t push snow piles onto the lawn or scrape too close to the ground. Use lawn-safe de-icers near turf.
8. Winter Watering
In dry spells, water once a month on warm days (above 40°F). This prevents root dehydration.
9. Watch for Snow Mold
Look for pink or gray patches as snow melts. Rake gently and apply fungicide if needed.
10. Dethatch If Needed
Too much thatch blocks moisture and harbors disease. Dethatch in early fall if the layer is thicker than ½ inch.
11. Winterize Irrigation
Drain pipes, blow out sprinkler lines, and insulate exposed components before freezing temperatures arrive.
12. Mulch Leaves
Shred fallen leaves into small pieces to feed your soil and reduce waste—just don’t let them smother your grass.
13. Tune Up Lawn Equipment
Clean, sharpen, and store tools properly. Add fuel stabilizer or drain tanks for winter.
14. Apply Pre-Emergent for Weeds
Stop winter weeds like chickweed and annual bluegrass with a pre-emergent in early fall.
15. Plan Spring Lawn Care
Use winter downtime to review your lawn’s condition and prep a game plan for spring seeding, fertilizing, and weed control.
16. Check for Pests
Look for signs of grubs or other insects before soil freezes. Treat as needed to prevent spring damage.
17. Call the Pros
Winter lawn care can be time-consuming. Mile High Lifescape offers full-service seasonal programs built for Colorado lawns.
Why Winter Lawn Prep Matters
Winter damage is preventable. These small steps protect roots, reduce disease risk, and set up a smooth spring recovery. A little effort now saves time, stress, and money later.
Get Professional Help
For nearly 20 years, Mile High Lifescape has helped homeowners across Denver care for their lawns through every season. We offer:
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Fall aeration & overseeding
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Custom winter fertilizers
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Irrigation blowouts
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Fungus & weed control
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Winter watering guidance
📞 Call (303) 877-9091 or visit our website to schedule your free consultation.
🌏 Contact Us
Mile High Lifescape
Address: 1007 S Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80219, US
Phone: 1-303-877-9091
Website: https://milehighlifescape.com/
Email: hello@milehighlifescape.com
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=8131554802714482277
FAQs
Do I need to water in winter?
Yes—once a month when temps are above 40°F and there’s no snow cover.
What fertilizer should I use in late fall?
Use a blend with low nitrogen and high potassium, like 22-0-10 or 24-4-12.
Is mowing needed in winter?
Only if grass is still growing. Stop once growth halts and temps stay below 50°F.
How can I avoid snow mold?
Mow to 2.5–3", remove leaves, reduce late nitrogen use, and avoid piling snow on the lawn.
When should I start prepping for winter?
Start 4–6 weeks before your first expected frost—early to mid-September in Denver.
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