Post Date:10/09/2024 9:00 AM

By Paige McFarland, Water Efficiency Coordinator for Highlands RanchWater

As the temperatures drop and days grow shorter, now is the time to help guide your lawn and garden into their winter rest smoothly. Understanding dormancy, its value, and how to best care for your landscape during the fall and winter will ensure it wakes up strong and ready for growth when spring returns.

Embracing dormancy: Nature's protective process

Dormancy is your lawn’s natural way of preparing for winter. Grass and plants slow down their growth and reduce their energy needs, conserving resources to survive the colder season. Think of it as a well-deserved rest after a long, hot summer.

Encouraging your lawn to enter dormancy properly is crucial. It allows your landscape to store up energy, protect its root system, and make the most of cooler temperatures. When done correctly, dormancy helps your lawn survive the winter months and bounce back stronger in the spring. A healthy winter rest can mean less work for you in terms of lawn recovery, reduced water usage, and a greener, thicker lawn.

Preparing for the seasonal shift

Now that the fall weather has settled in and your irrigation system is off, your lawn is beginning to enter its dormancy period, and watering is no longer necessary for its health. Shutting down your system does not just conserve water, it also prevents damage from freezing temperatures, protecting your sprinkler lines and valves.

Before you settle down for the season, there are still some steps you can take to set your lawn up for success. Mow your lawn to a slightly taller height – around 2.5 to 3 inches – to protect the roots from cold damage and retain soil moisture. Continue mowing your lawn until growth comes to a complete stop, and as the leaves continue to fall, consider mulching them into your grass. Mulching leaves is a great way to provide natural nutrients to your lawn, helping it retain moisture and improve soil health. A thin layer of mulched leaves can be beneficial, but it’s important to avoid excess build-up. For larger amounts of leaves and yard debris, utilize the free drop-off sites in Douglas County such as Highlands Ranch Metro District’s Composting and Tree Recycling event on November 9 from 8 am to 12 pm at Redstone Park.

Caring for your soil

Fall is also a great time to give your soil some extra attention. Aeration, which involves perforating the soil with small holes, allows nutrients to reach the roots more effectively. This process alleviates soil compaction and lets your lawn "breathe."

After aerating, apply a layer of compost or a phosphorous-free fertilizer to build up the nutrients your lawn will need for its spring comeback. Compost enriches the soil, enhances its structure, and improves its ability to retain water. Fertilizing at this time helps your lawn store up essential nutrients it needs for spring growth. The combination of aeration and fertilization provides your grass with the best possible environment to rest and rejuvenate.

Your winter water allocation

Even though your main irrigation is off, Highlands Ranch Water provides an allocation of 1,000 gallons per billing cycle during winter for supplemental watering. This water is there to help keep trees, shrubs, and perennials hydrated. Trees, especially, can benefit from deep watering on warmer days during prolonged dry periods in the winter.

Supplemental watering should be done sparingly and only when necessary. Keep in mind that winter watering is most effective during warmer days when the soil isn’t frozen. If there's an extended period without snowfall or rain, consider giving your trees and shrubs a slow, deep watering to maintain their health through winter.

Springing to life

As we approach winter, remember that your landscape is entering a season of rest. With a few simple adjustments, your well-prepared lawn will have the resilience to handle the winter and be ready to green up and grow when warmer weather returns. This means less time spent on reseeding and repairing damaged areas, and more time enjoying your healthy, thriving landscape. You’ll also benefit from reduced water usage in the spring because a healthy lawn needs less supplemental watering.

So, as the leaves continue to fall and the air cools, embrace the seasonal shift and get your lawn ready for its winter break – it’ll thank you with a stunning spring revival.