When you live in Ann Arbor MI, you’re well-aware of the harsh winters that set in each year. You’ve harvested your vegetables and winterized your house, but you can also perform a few lawn care tasks too. Frost is a real threat to your lawn as temperatures dip overnight and into the morning. Keep frost from damaging your grass by performing these simple steps.

• Give the Grass Some Length

It might be a habit to cut your lawn’s length down to a short stubble in the fall, but refrain from this practice. Your grass should have an average length left on its blades as the Ann Arbor MI weather turns cold. The grass blades allow the lawn to photosynthesize down to the last minute. This energy gives the lawn strength against frost damage. A short lawn might die back before spring arrives for vigorous regrowth.

• Water Deeply Before the Frost

Dry soil makes the lawn vulnerable to frost damage. The roots can literally freeze into the ground. Before the frost arrives, deeply water your lawn. A large portion of this moisture will remain in the soil. As a result, the soil has a regulated temperature that’s free from freezing conditions. The roots are also encouraged to follow the water as it absorbs deeply into the ground. Long and strong roots means the lawn can withstand the frost and emerge deep green in the spring.

• Spread Organic Mulch

If you’re still concerned about your lawn’s health after watering it, spread a fine layer of organic mulch onto the grass. The mulch granules should easily fall between the grass blades and protect the soil from freezing conditions. Don’t cover the lawn in a thick mulch layer, however. Thick mulch prevents moisture and oxygen from moving in and out of the soil, and the lawn declines under these conditions.

• Be Wary of Winter-Loving Weeds

Spring isn’t the only time when weeds find their way into your lawn. There are a few winter-loving weeds that will sprout just before the frost. Inspect your lawn each week and physically remove any weeds. Pull the stem and roots out from the lawn for the best results. Those weeds will contribute to lawn decline because they compete for limited resources during the winter.

• Avoid Walking on the Grass

As frost settles into your prepared lawn, keep everyone off of the grass. Clear pathways and driveways of ice or snow so that people will use those routes into your home. Stepping on the grass with frost conditions can break the blades. Disease and dieback are a result of broken grass blades. If the blades remain solidly frozen, they’ll defrost and grow again in the spring.

You might wonder if some of your lawn care steps should involve fertilizing, but you may want to rethink this step. Your lawn is entering a dormant period in the winter. It won’t be able to absorb the fertilizer’s nutrients. In fact, you might harm the lawn with fertilizer spread during the winter. Wait until spring to fertilize, and your lawn will be picture-perfect as sunny days arrive.