Follow these tips to keep your yard healthy through the fall and winter months.

The colors of Colorado are magnificent and sure signs of colder weather arriving to give your lawn a break. And give you a break from mowing every week. Before you close up shop for the fall and winter months, implement a few ideas to help your lawn stay healthy.

What happens to grass over the fall and winter months? Look out your window, and you'll see your luscious green grass turn dry and brown beginning in the fall. Don't panic. Your grass likely hasn't died. It's just taking a much-needed nap over the colder months. 

"One way to determine if grass is dormant or dead is by tugging on the grass plants. If the plants pull out from the ground easily, they're probably dead. If the roots hold fast when pulled, the plants are dormant."

While your grass is napping, it's dormant. There is less sunlight available on the shorter days of fall and winter. Fall and winter months are also drier which means that grass is no longer receiving the moisture and nutrients needed. Grass no longer produces chlorophyll, the green color in grass, and reduces its overall energy need in dormancy.

But what can you do during this time to keep your grass healthy? Check out our tips below.

Aerate

Aerating your lawn creates tube-like holes throughout your yard. This process creates the needed space for water and oxygen to reach the root system of your lawn. Water your lawn well before and after aerating.

You can find aerators at your local hardware or lawn care stores. Manual aerators are affordable and provide a great workout. Gas-powered aerators are naturally more expensive and can be rented locally.

Reseed

Especially if you have brown spots in your lawn at the end of summer, fall is a great time to lay down new seed in these spots. Be sure to sufficiently water your new seedlings as they're taking root. Let these seedlings take a nap along with the rest of the lawn, and your entire lawn will have a jumpstart as you head into the next spring.

Fertilize and Water

Fertilizer helps provide your grass with nutrients to withstand harsh fall and winter months. During the dormancy period, your grass is still developing roots and growing (even at a slow rate). Any fertilization needs sufficient water in order to be effective. 

"Your plants need to stay hydrated in order to enter a successful dormancy period. Use a rain gauge to track the moisture of your lawn and keep your irrigation systems running until the first freeze."

When you've watered your lawn for the last time of the season, be sure to have your sprinklers blown out to remove any excess water in the lines. During the colder and freezing temperatures of fall and winter, any excess water will expand as it freezes and could burst pipes.

Mow

There's nothing like a good trim. As odd as it might feel to be mowing your lawn in a down jacket, gloves, and a beanie, this is a vital step in preparing your lawn for the fall and winter months. Snow mold is a thing, and a trim right before fall helps prevent this mold from growing. 

Mowing helps your lawn return healthy in the spring. As snow presses down on your dormant lawn, longer blades of grass can become crushed. It's best to keep your lawn to around two inches in length as you head into fall and winter.

Plan Ahead and Organize

Take the time to inventory your lawn supplies and plan ahead for the spring. Clean your lawn tools before you store them for the colder months. Grab a calendar and schedule these helpful monthly tips. Schedule an appointment with a local lawn care service for a check-up on your lawn. 

Are you surprised raking your lawn didn't make the list? It's because raking is optional. Many homeowners dread raking the thousands of leaves covering the ground in the fall. Experts have chimed in on the benefits and unintended consequences of raking leaves. 

What is your go-to lawn treatment in the fall? Tell more in the comments below.