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The process to winterize your landscaping depends on the plants you have, but generally speaking, you should rake your lawn to avoid leaves from smothering your grass and leading to mold and fungi growth, wrap young trees to protect from fluctuating temperatures, and fertilize your lawn to provide some nutrients for the grass through the colder temperatures. You can also consider marking off small trees and shrubs to avoid accidentally damaging them with snow removal tools.

There are a few ways to fix your lawn on a budget, including:

• Identify the lawn care problem and learn how to seed, fertilize, and aerate your lawn. 

• Reseed old, damaged lawn with new grass that fares better in your environment. 

• Remove grass from your yard so you no longer need to worry about lawn care costs.

When spring arrives, it’s best to hold off on mowing until temperatures have consistently reached a temperature of at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Attempting to mow grass that hasn't fully thawed from its winter dormancy can harm the delicate blades. Ensure your grass is dry before mowing and aim to mow when the grass is about three to four inches tall, trimming no more than one-third of the grass blade's height at a time. This timing encourages healthy growth and prevents shock to the grass, preparing your lawn for a happy, healthy growing season.

It is not recommended to mow wet grass, including grass with morning dew. Mowing when wet can damage your lawn, your mower, and potentially cause injury. Wet grass blades are more likely to be torn rather than cut cleanly, which can lead to brown tips and increase the risk of fungal diseases. Additionally, wet clippings can clump together, smothering the grass underneath, and can clog your mower. For best results, wait until the grass is dry to the touch, which is often about two hours after morning dew has evaporated. Regular lawn mower maintenance is also important for a clean cut.