Preparing your lawn for the winter doesn't have to be very hard. There are a few simple steps you can take before the coldest weather sets in. These steps will keep your grass ready for returning in the spring:

Materials Needed:
1. Rake

2. Broom

3. Shovel

4. Aerator/Garden Fork

5. Fine Horticulture Sand

6. Topsoil

Step One: Remove Debris
Ground cover consists of a layer of dead grass and other materials. This layer is called "thatch". Thatch can collect on the soil's surface, making drainage difficult. This can result in more moss growing in the grass as well as fungal diseases which prevent grass from growing well. In order to encourage good grass growth, it is therefore important to remove as much of this debris as possible from your lawn in the fall. By raking away the leaves, you can continue to rake the surface, removing moss and any compacted debris.

Step Two: Aerate Soil
Aeration of the soil is critical for several reasons. Not only does it loosen soil so that more root systems can grow, preventing the ground from over-compacting, but it can also encourage water entrainment. The best way to aerate the soil is to use a special aerator or a garden fork. Using one of these tools, simply perforating the lawn all across the surface. These holes will create the aeration and improved drainage you will want to encourage your grass to regrow in the spring.

Step Three: Fill Holes
Next, you need to make sure those holes do not get filled by the soil you just removed. Instead, you should encourage the holes to fill with free-draining materials. This can be done by first sweeping the surface of the ground that you just aerated with a broom. This will guarantee air and water can pass through the holes and enter the root zone without the holes closing up. Using sand of a horticultural grade, ensure the holes stay this way by brushing the sand across the holes. Sand is great for this purpose.

Step Four: Spread Topsoil
The final step is to protect the soil by reapplying a layer of topsoil. This top dry layer will help with drainage. It can also help level out the grade of the lawn so that drainage is more even. An easy way to spread this topsoil effectively is to spread some on the ground. Then, taking the back of a rake, a broom, or even a brush, gently spread the material until it is distributed evenly across the ground. Continue to work the soil in until its embedded evenly in the grass.

In just a short time, these four steps can make your yard look far better come spring. Not only will your grass be healthier and grow back stronger, but you will also have healthier, better draining, and more aerated soils.