Hi All, So we got six inches of snow this weekend, I needed to mow too. We should have a few days of warmer (50-60s) weather before the cold sets in for good, though it will continue to frost at night most nights until spring. Is it okay to mow one last time once the ground dries up? Is it too late for winter fertilizer?
I believe you can still fertilize, but I'd recommend waiting until the snow melts again to do so. Fertilizers applied at this time of year will help promote good root growth come spring. I know that ideal mowing height is 2" to 3", and that your grass will go dormant until temps warm up again. It always amazes me that grass is always the first thing to green up each spring! When in doubt, I always rely on my university extension office for local plant care. Here's the link for the UW Extension in your area: http://ces.uwyo.edu/Landscape07/Landscape19.htm
As long as the snow is gone, you are good to go with both cutting and fertilizing, just don't cut while there is still frost on the grass, that will break the blades of the grass and retsrain any further nutrients being sent to the roots from them. Not to mention it will brown up where the tire tracks are.
Thanks for the input. It is mid sixties today and finally dried out. I am mowing, raking.. the works to winterize for next spring. I had to laugh that anyone would try to mow (or put fertilizer down) when there was snow on the ground!
Actually, I prefer to fertilize the lawn if there's a bit of snow on the ground in spring. The lambing snow in late April/early May is perfect. The grass has started it's growth but is tender, and the thin coat of snow dissolves the fertilizer and thins it out so it doesn't burn the grass or the roots.
No problem. I just noticed your location. Wyoming is surely a great place to be, I miss the south and north fork near jellystone. Someday I'll get back. Enjoy the day.
I keep thinking I am mowing for the last time and the grass keeps growing..we have had many frosts and cool nights of 20 degrees. I do cut my grass only 2 inches long in the fall because of voles. They will tunnel in your grass if it is too long....I agree that it should be 2 1/2 - 3 inches long in the warmer months for our area..I am in Wisconsin..Sherry
I've had to mow after snow before and it was horrible. First my mower literally got clogged with water and had a hard time starting up.. Next thing I know I'm dumping the bag every 2 seconds because of fast accumulation.
