How to Prepare Your Lawn for Winter Dormancy | Mr. B’s Lawn Aeration

Protect your cool-season grass before winter dormancy hits. Mr. B’s Lawn Aeration shares expert winter lawn care tips for Indiana and Ohio.

As temperatures drop and frost sets in, your lawn begins a natural process called winter dormancy — a time when grass growth slows and roots conserve energy. That doesn’t mean your lawn should be ignored!Proper winter lawn care in Indiana and Ohio ensures your grass emerges lush, thick, and healthy when spring returns. Here’s how to prepare your cool-season lawn for the months ahead.

Mow at the Proper Height Before Winter

Set your mower to 2 – 2.5 inches for the final cut of the year. This height protects roots from freezing while preventing snow mold, a fungal disease that thrives under long, matted grass.

• Pro Tip: Never scalp your lawn short; cutting too low stresses the crown and exposes roots to cold injury.

Clear Leaves and Debris

Leaves and debris left on the lawn trap moisture and block sunlight — perfect conditions for fungus. Rake or mulch them into small pieces so they decompose naturally and feed your soil. Large yards benefit from using a leaf blower or lawn sweeper for a quicker cleanup.

Feed Your Lawn with a Winter Fertilizer

A late-fall feeding gives your grass the nutrients it needs to survive dormancy and bounce back strong in spring. At Mr. B’s Lawn Aeration, we use professional-grade Advanced Turf Solutions fertilizers to strengthen roots, improve soil structure, and boost energy reserves during cold weather.

Aerate and Overseed Before the Ground Freezes

If you missed early-fall aeration, there’s still time — as long as the soil isn’t frozen. Core aeration reduces compaction, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach deep into the root zone.Pair this with overseeding using a TWCA-certified Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue blend to fill thin areas. The seed will remain dormant and germinate quickly once spring soil warms.

Keep Watering Until the Ground Freezes

Grass still needs moisture in late fall. Continue watering 1–2 times per week until temperatures stay consistently below 40°F or the soil freezes. Proper hydration prevents root desiccation and keeps your lawn resilient all winter long.

Avoid Walking on Frozen Grass

Frozen blades are fragile and easily crushed. Limit traffic on your lawn when frost or ice is visible to avoid brown patches appearing in spring.

Plan Your 2026 Lawn Care Program Now

Winter is the perfect time to plan ahead. Book early for spring aeration, fertilizing, and overseeding to secure your preferred service dates. Mr. B’s Lawn Aeration offers multi-level care programs — from basic healthy lawn plans to premium ‘best-on-the-block’ packages for serious lawn enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your cool-season grass before winter is the difference between a lawn that barely survives and one that thrives.