Yard Work In December?

December Mowing

Yes, that is correct. Yard work in December. Your spring lawn benefits from the yard maintenance you do in December. You should continue to mow your yard anytime weather permits. During this time-frame, it’s OK to cut so low that you scalp your grass a bit. Late fall is the ONLY time you should be mowing low. Cutting your grass low helps deter snow mold and other lawn diseases from appearing in the spring. Did you know snow mold is a fungus that can wreak havoc on your allergies? Practice prevention now for a better spring.

Winter Mulching

Winter mulch’s primary function is to moderate soil temperatures. Throughout the winter months  temperatures fluctuate, from getting really cold then get really warm and then get really cold again. This fluctuation of freeze and thaw causes damage to plants. While air temperatures can fluctuate greatly, it is the soil temperature that starts things moving. A warm soil signals the plants to start growing and begins sending nutrients to the plant’s vascular system. When below freezing temperatures return, those nutrients freeze and burst killing that section of the plant.

Wait until after colder temperatures arrive and stay before applying protective mulch around your plants. Waiting allows the ground to cool off, a signal for the plant that winter is coming and it’s time to go dormant. Putting the mulch on too soon, may encourage the plant to persevere growing.

Remember, yard work in December is beneficial for grass and plants alike.