Here’s How to Prepare Your Lawn for Tennessee’s Wild Winters
1/16/2025
Is your lawn prepared for the winter season? Although Tennessee is far more famous for its scorching summers, its winters can sometimes bring wild and unexpected weather.
How do you prepare your lawn for unexpected winter weather, and are there ways to take advantage of freezing temperatures? Let’s dive in and see how to prepare your lawn for Tennessee's wild winters!
As winter approaches, it's time to give your lawn some extra TLC to make sure it survives the cold months and thrives come spring. Applying a winterizing fertilizer is one of the most crucial steps in winter lawn preparation. This special blend, typically high in potassium, helps strengthen grassroots and improve cold tolerance. Apply it in late fall when the grass has stopped growing but is still green, allowing the lawn to absorb and store nutrients for the winter.
This timely fertilization boosts root development to withstand winter stress and sets the stage for faster, stronger growth when spring arrives. By taking this simple step, you're investing in a healthier, more resilient lawn that will be the envy of the neighborhood!
Like other vegetation, such as trees and shrubs, your grass enters a state of dormancy in the winter. That’s why, as winter approaches, proper mowing becomes crucial for preparing your lawn to survive the cold months ahead.
Gradually lower your mowing height in late fall, aiming for a final cut between 2 and 2.5 inches tall to help prevent snow mold. Continue mowing regularly until growth stops, typically when temperatures consistently drop below 50°F. Remember to follow the "one-third rule," never removing more than a third of the grass blade length in one session. If you have a mulching mower, use it to chop up fallen leaves, adding nutrients to the soil and providing extra protection for your grass. Maintaining these mowing practices will strengthen your lawn's root system and improve its resilience to winter stress, setting the stage for a lush, healthy lawn in the spring.
Certain types of grass are known as “warm-season grasses.” These grasses thrive in warmer temperatures and are best suited for typically hot climates. Some examples of warm-season grasses are Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine, Buffalo, Kikuyu, and Centipede. Many lawns in Tennessee are comprised of Bermuda and Zoysia grass.
Warm-season grasses need extra protection from the winter cold. Although most of Tennessee typically has mild winters with some freezing temperatures that don’t last very long, it’s still important to take the proper precautions to protect your lawn.
First, make sure your lawn has adequate moisture before a freeze by watering the night before an expected hard freeze (below 25°F), as this moisture acts as insulation for the roots. You can also apply a winterizing fertilizer that’s high in potassium to strengthen the roots, but apply it well before the cold temperatures arrive. In extreme cold, frost blankets or crop covers can protect your lawn and help retain daytime heat when night arrives. It may take extra effort and care, but protecting your lawn in the winter will help it thrive when spring returns.
It’s not just your lawn that needs winterization; your lawn equipment needs it, too. This crucial step isn’t just about tidying up your garage; it’s an investment in the longevity and performance of your tools. Properly winterizing equipment helps protect your equipment from the damaging effects of cold temperatures, moisture, and inactivity. By taking care of your mowers, trimmers, and other lawn tools now, you’re setting yourself up for a smooth start when spring rolls around. Plus, it helps you avoid the frustration of dealing with equipment that won’t start after months in storage! A little effort now can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run.
Speaking of equipment, you need the right equipment to get the job done when it’s time to mow and manicure your lawn again. Tennessee Tractor has all the necessary equipment, from lawn and garden equipment to compact utility tractors for those bigger lawn jobs.
The John Deere X584 lawn tractor with a 48-inch deck is an excellent choice for Tennessee lawn care due to its powerful features and versatility. This model is equipped with a robust engine and a wide cutting deck, making it ideal for efficiently maintaining more extensive lawns in Tennessee. Its four-wheel steering system provides exceptional maneuverability, allowing users to navigate around obstacles and tight spaces with ease, which is particularly useful for properties with landscaping features or irregular shapes.
Another great option in the zero-turn mower category is the John Deere Z760R Ztrak Mower. The John Deere Z760R ZTrak Zero-Turn Mower is a high-performance machine designed for efficient and precise lawn maintenance. Its zero-turn capability allows for exceptional maneuverability, making it ideal for navigating around obstacles and achieving a clean, professional-looking cut in less time compared to traditional lawn tractors.
Take a look at our great lineup of zero-turn mowers, lawn tractors, stand-on mowers, and compact utility tractors. Come visit us today and conquer the winter with ease!