Saturday, May 19, 2012
   
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DIY Winter yard preparation

Many homeowners worry that their yard will take a beating in the winter months, especially with snow and exceptionally low temperatures that can really damage their property. But there are many things that can be done before the gloom of winter sets in, according to Aubuchon Hardware.

First off, the lawn may be the best place to start when tending to the outdoor areas of the home. Many homeowners may benefit by reseeding thin, patchy areas of the lawn, Aubuchon noted. The grass may look like it is halting growth during this time, but it is only growing longer roots to deal with the perils of the daily cold. In the early fall, a fertilization and reseeding could be a good idea, with a second one occurring later in the autumn before the first frost.

Sod can make the aforementioned project much simpler, especially if there are visibly bare areas, Aubuchon wrote. Sod can make the lawn look perfect, once the spring arrives. When laying the sod, though, make sure it is watered during the first week. Also, do not lay sod in extremely hot or dry conditions as it will not take well, since the roots will not grow enough. The best type of sod is the kind that is native to the region it is planted in, and also is not made of one type of grass.

Pruning is another way to prep your yard for winter. It is best done when the leaves have already changed colors, as this is the plant signaling that it is dormant until the next spring, Aubuchon noted. Do not prune too late in a growing season, as it will encourage growth that will only hurt the plant when frost occurs. To avoid damaging the plant, cut the plant at an angle approximately one-quarter of an inch from the branch. The plants can be further helped by covering some in burlap, which protects them from frost, as well as laying down mulch, which will insulate the roots. Finally, fertilize the larger plants in the spring, which will have the most positive effect.

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