How to Winterize Your Lawn

Rake your lawn to remove any leaves or use a mulching lawn mower to mulch leaves until they are small enough to settle in amongst the blades of grass. It is important that the grass seed makes contact with the soil so dethatching your lawn with a dethatching rake or aerating your lawn is also good at this time. If those options are not available then it's a good idea to rake in a thin layer of enriched soil over your lawn. Don't put so much down that you kill your grass; less than a quarter of an inch is plenty. Scotts® Lawn Soil works well for this purpose.

What seed you choose depends on where you live and what problem is making your lawn thin in the first place. For instance, if your lawn is shady, choose a shade-tolerant seed. If kids play in your yard, choose a variety that can stand up to foot traffic. The people at your neighbourhood Home Depot can help you choose the seed that's right for your lawn.

Prepare your lawn by cutting it a little shorter than normal the day before you over seed. Then fill up your spreader and go. Be sure to follow the instructions on your seed bag.

New seed needs to be watered daily — enough to keep the top inch of soil constantly moist. If the soil dries out the seeds may not germinate. You should feed your seeds right away with a product such as Scotts® Turf Builder Wintercare fertilizer. This will fertilize your existing lawn and prepare it for the winter as well as provide the new seedlings with the nutrients that they require. Next spring your lawn will come up greener and healthier with less weeds.