Cold weather is upon us - and though backyard gatherings and outdoor get-togethers might be on hold, caring for your lawn should still be top of mind. Whether you pride yourself on having a pristine lawn or don't know where to start, we're here to help. Here, find 7 winter lawn care tips that are perfect for lawns in the Carolinas.

1. Continue watering your lawn.

Though your lawn won't need as much water in the winter as it does during the warm southern summer months, it still needs water. Make sure your grass is getting a healthy dose of hydration 1-2 times a week.

2. Keep your lawn weed-free.

Though most of your other plants are probably in hibernation for the winter, weeds will continue growing in the colder months. You can apply a pre-emergent herbicide to your lawn when the nighttime temperature starts to consistently be below 60 degrees. This will help to prevent winter weeds from emerging and damaging the growth of your lawn. 

3. Aerate the soil. 

The beginning of the winter is a great time to aerate your lawn, so that oxygen, water, and fertilizer can get to the roots of your grass. You'll need to rent a gas-powered lawn aerator to punch holes in the soil - you can also hire a landscaper to get this job done. 

4. Fill in bare spots.

Use an all-in-one lawn repair mixture to fill in any bare spots in your lawn. This mixture is typically a combination of grass seed, fertilizer, and mulch. Spread a thick layer of it over the bare area, then water thoroughly. 

5. Add some mulch.

Mulching is great any time of year, and is a key part in preparing your lawn for winter. Add mulch to your plants or vulnerable areas to help insulate them during the cold weather so they can bloom again come Spring. 

6. Keep your lawn free of debris.

If you haven't finished raking your lawn yet, this is the time to do it. Piles of leaves can potentially suffocate your lawn before winter - and if they're still there after the first frost, they can get wet and cause disease. Also, come winter, keep your lawn free of outdoor furniture and decor.

7. Winterize your hoses and sprinklers.

Though this isn't technically a lawn care tip, don't forget about winterizing your garden equipment... after all, the last thing you want to deal with in the cold weather is a burst pipe. So, disconnect your hoses, drain the water, coil them up and store in a dry area - like a shed or garage. Turn off the water valve and insulate any above-ground pipes, if necessary. 

With winter comes the holiday season... and if you're busy preparing for Christmas, leave the lawn care to the experts. The skilled professionals at Killingworth Environmental are ready to winterize your lawn. Contact us today for more information or to get a quote!