In most Canadian provinces December through March means snow-covered lawns and an end to lawn mowing, but not for coastal cities like Delta in British Columbia. The Lower Mainland is blessed with relatively mild winters and minimal snowfall, and while that’s great news for people who hate shovelling snow, it also means that your grass will keep growing later in the season, sometimes all year round!
When Does Grass Become Dormant?
Most people assume that their lawn chores end when the cooler weather rolls in, but in reality, grass remains active until temperatures regularly drop below 5 degrees Celsius and your lawn stops getting the moisture and sunlight it needs to grow. Until that happens, it’s just as important to stay on top of lawn mowing in the winter as it is during the spring and summer.
How Often Do Lawns Need Mowing in the Winter?
As temperatures drop, your grass will begin to grow at a slower rate—but it’s still growing, and growing grass needs maintenance. While it might be tempting to shirk lawn care when it gets cold, ignoring your lawn now could mean a patchy or unhealthy lawn when spring rolls around.
Things Everyone in Delta Should Be Doing to Care for Their Lawns Over the Winter
Its mild coastal climate makes lawn care services in Delta different from those in colder regions of BC. With grass that grows well into the winter months lawn moving and consistent upkeep are key to keeping your lawn lush and healthy year-round.
Keep Mowing
Don’t put the mower away or cancel your lawn mowing services just yet! Grass in Delta can continue to grow through the winter, albeit at a slower rate. Maintaining a height of about 5 cm (or 2 to 2.5 inches) helps to ensure the grass stays healthy and reduces the risk of pests.
Tidy Up Regularly
Staying on top of lawn chores like removing leaves, branches, and other debris helps to prevent moisture buildup and fungal diseases (aka snow mould, and despite that name, doesn’t require snow to form). A clean lawn also ensures sunlight and nutrients reach the grassroots, which is especially important during shorter winter days and will help your lawn grow back stronger in the spring.
Aerate Your Lawn
Compacted soil is a problem for a number of reasons; it can lead to drainage issues but it also weakens grass by depriving it of much needed nutrients and energy. Aerating in late fall or early winter improves water and nutrient absorption, helping your lawn stay strong through the colder months.
Apply Winter Fertilizer
Even though the winters aren’t quite as cold as elsewhere, it’s still important to prep your lawn for winter. Applying a slow-release fertilizer designed for the season helps strengthen roots and improve the grass’s ability to store nutrients. Aim for late November to give your lawn the boost it needs to stay healthy and green.
Reseed Bare Spots
If your lawn has thin or patchy areas, late winter or early spring is the perfect time to overseed. This helps fill in gaps and ensures a thick, even lawn when the growing season picks up.
Why Year-Round Lawn Care Pays Off
Delta’s mild climate means that lawns may not hibernate the way they do in other parts of BC which means you might need services like lawn mowing for longer than you expect. But by maintaining your grass during the winter you can continue to enjoy a lush lawn in every season!