Don’t leave your yard décor out until June
-We all know that special someone who does this, leaves that inflatable snowman up for half a year and then wonders why they have a dead spot in their yard.  TAKE FROSTY DOWN.

Party parking
-Hosting a party this holiday season?  Unfortunately, your friends and family will end up parking on part of your grass.  Due to moist ground, either from thawing or rain, your yard is sure to get more ruts than a stable full of reindeer!  Ruts are fixable though.  Roll them out with a lawn roller or squish them flat with your feet.

Minimize foot traffic
-Because we are getting rain this winter and some freezing temps, our yards are going to be a squishy mess.  As you are turning off and on your Christmas decorations and lights, please be mindful of your traffic pattern.  Those areas that have been heavily traveled will have a harder time recovering in the spring.

No need for fertilizer this time of year
-Your warm season grass (Bermuda and Zoysia) won’t benefit from fertilizer while dormant and brown.  Your first fertility treatment shouldn’t be until April.

Winterize your irrigation system
-If you haven’t already, get your irrigation system ready for freezing temperatures.  This usually means blowing pressurized air from a high point in your irrigation system.  Consult a professional if you’re uncomfortable doing this.

Fireworks
-New Years is just a week away and if you’re lighting fireworks in dry grass, be cautious of starting fires.  And don’t forget to pick up your trash!

Weeds
-The weeds you see now germinated back in September and October. In bermudagrass and zoysiagrass, put down a preemergence herbicide every spring (late-March) and every fall (early-September). Examples include Scott’s Crabgrass and Grassy Weed or Barricade. For weed control this winter, Princep 4L (2 qt/Acre) or Trimec 899 (1 qt/Acre) are examples of products commonly available. Round-up (glyphosate) IS NOT recommended. Always read and follow label directions.

Mowing
-Other than weeds, there typically isn’t a lot to mow. Guess you’ll have to find another shirtless past time until warmer weather.

Pets
-Pet waste doesn’t dry and decay quite as fast during the cooler winter months. It fertilizes weeds and causes a stinking mess. ‘Tis the season to use those extra shopping bags to clean up pet waste

Should I paint or dye my lawn?
-The pigments available to artificially enhance your dormant lawn are vastly different than the paints used to cover the guardrail damage on Uncle Jimmy’s 88 Ford pickup. Finding a supplier isn’t easy, but if you do use pigments, make sure to use recommended rates. And wear old shoes.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!