So You Forgot to Rake Before Winter. What Now?

Winter rolled in, covered your yard in a frosty blanket, and now you’re left staring at the mess underneath. Maybe life got busy, maybe Netflix was calling—hey, no judgment here. But what do you do come spring when you forgot to rake before winter? Spoiler alert: all is not lost. Below, we’ll dig into how you can handle the aftermath like a true yard warrior.

Assess the Situation

Once the snow melts, don’t panic at the sight of matted leaves. This is your “state of the yard” moment. Pull on some boots and take a lap around your property. Are we talking about a casual layer of leaves or a full-on compost heap? If it’s the latter, buckle up—it’s time for some elbow grease. In either situation, the key is taking action before the leaves smother your lawn’s growth.

Aeration: Your Lawn’s Springtime BFF

If the winter weather left your lawn soil compacted and your grass gasping for space, aeration can save the day. Wield a manual aerator or rent one from your local hardware store. Aerating creates those neat little holes that give grass roots room to breathe, absorb water, and come back to life. It’s like sending your lawn to a spa day but cheaper!

Call in the Mulch

If you have piles of soggy leaves on your hands, don’t just trash them. Mulching can turn last fall’s failure into this spring’s win. Rake up dense patches, lay down the organic matter where plants or shrubs will benefit, and then sit back and watch science turn your leaves into free fertilizer!

Preventative Measures for Next Year

Nobody wants to repeat the same mistake twice. Using the proper equipment for leave collection this fall will help you avoid the issue altogether. Picking up the right tools can turn leaf duty into a 30-minute task instead of an all-day saga. Think ahead to keep your yard in good health.

Final Thoughts

Forgetfulness happens—don’t sweat it. With some springtime elbow grease, your lawn can bounce back better than ever. Start by assessing the damage, giving your grass some TLC, and putting those soggy leaves to good use. Deciding what to do come spring when you forgot to rake before winter doesn’t have to be a yearly headache!

Simone Davis