How to Care for Your Grass in the Lower Mainland Over the Winter Months

Caring for your grass in the Lower Mainland during the winter, which includes areas such as Vancouver, Coquitlam, and Port Moody, is crucial to ensure a healthy and vibrant lawn throughout the year. The Lower Mainland has a temperate coastal climate with mild, wet winters. Here are some winter lawn care tips specific to this region:

1. Keep Mowing: Continue mowing your lawn until it stops growing. Grass in the Lower Mainland can remain active throughout the winter. Maintain a height of about 2 to 2.5 inches.
   
2. Lawn Cleanup: Regularly remove leaves and debris from your lawn to prevent issues like fungal diseases and to allow sunlight to reach the grass.
   
3. Aeration: If your lawn is compacted, consider aerating it in the late fall or early winter to improve water penetration and nutrient absorption.
   
4. Fertilization: Apply a winter or fall fertilizer around November to help your grass store nutrients and stay healthy during the winter months.
   
5. Watering: Reduce your watering frequency as temperatures drop, but don’t forget to water. Give your lawn a deep watering if there’s a dry period, typically every 2-4 weeks. Avoid watering during frosty conditions.
   
6. Snow Management: If snowfall occurs, gently remove snow from your lawn to prevent damage. Avoid walking on frozen grass as it can cause harm.
   
7. Disease Prevention: Maintain good air circulation by keeping shrubs and trees pruned to prevent moisture buildup and reduce the risk of diseases.
   
8. Lawn Reseeding: If your lawn has thin or bare areas, consider overseeding in late winter or early spring to help it recover and thicken up.
   
9. Pruning and Tree Care: Trim overhanging branches that might block sunlight to your lawn, and prune shrubs or trees as needed to promote better air circulation and light.
   
10. Spring Cleanup: Once winter is over, conduct a thorough spring cleanup. Remove any remaining debris, aerate the soil again if necessary, and apply a balanced fertilizer to encourage spring growth.

The mild winters in the Lower Mainland mean you can continue to enjoy a lush, green lawn throughout the year with proper maintenance. Be mindful of the specific needs of your grass type and adapt your care routine accordingly.

If you’re unsure about what’s best for your lawn, consider consulting a landscaping company such as ATC Landscape. ATC Landscape is your local, professional, and reliable landscape maintenance and gardening experts. We serve the areas of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge.