If this winter feels especially stubborn, you’re not imagining it. Between freezing temperatures, lingering snow, and soil that feels more like concrete than turf, February in Indiana can make lawn care seem completely out of reach. Everything looks brown, frozen, and lifeless, and it’s tempting to think there’s nothing you can do until spring finally shows up.
But this time of year is actually one of the most important parts of the season.
At Genesis Sod Farms, we think of February as prep season. Even though installs may be paused and grass isn’t actively growing, the steps you take now will determine how quickly and how well your lawn bounces back once warmer weather returns. The homeowners and property managers who plan ahead are always the ones enjoying the first green lawns of spring.
The first thing to remember is that your grass isn’t dead — it’s dormant. Turf naturally goes into a resting phase during cold weather to conserve energy and protect itself from freezing temperatures. That brown color you see is simply your lawn hibernating. As soil temperatures warm up, growth resumes on its own. Because of this, trying to “wake it up” too early with fertilizer can actually backfire.
Applying fertilizer while the ground is still frozen or near freezing usually wastes product more than anything else. The roots can’t absorb nutrients, and melting snow or rain often washes everything away before the grass has a chance to use it. Not only is that money down the drain, but it can also contribute to runoff issues. Instead, patience pays off. Waiting until soil temperatures consistently reach about 50 degrees — typically sometime in early to mid-March here in Indiana — gives your lawn the best chance to benefit from nutrients. That’s exactly why Genesis Sod Farms recommends an early spring fertilizer schedule timed with that first real green-up. When applied at the right moment, fertilizer helps strengthen roots, thicken turf, and create even, healthy growth right out of the gate.
Watering is another area where less is more this time of year. With snow melt and winter precipitation, your lawn is usually getting plenty of natural moisture. Adding extra water while temperatures are still dipping below freezing can create icy patches and unnecessary stress on the soil. Once consistent warmth returns and you start to see new growth, that’s the time to resume watering, aiming for about one to one-and-a-half inches per week. Slow, deep watering in the early morning encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, which leads to a stronger, more drought-resistant lawn throughout the summer.
Even though you might not be laying sod or mowing just yet, there’s still plenty you can do to stay ahead. Late winter is the perfect opportunity to clean up debris that accumulated over the season, service equipment, and get your soil tested so you know exactly what your lawn will need in spring. It’s also a smart time to start measuring areas, planning projects, and scheduling deliveries. Once the first warm stretch hits, everyone wants sod at the same time, and calendars fill up fast. A little planning now can save a lot of scrambling later.
Many people are surprised to learn that early spring is actually one of the best times to install sod. As soon as the ground is workable and snow-free, sod can be laid successfully. Cooler temperatures reduce transplant stress and allow roots to establish before the heat of summer arrives. That means less watering, less shock, and better long-term results. Getting sod down early often leads to a thicker, healthier lawn by the time peak growing season begins.
Winter might make it feel like nothing is happening, but beneath the surface your lawn is simply waiting for the right conditions to grow again. Preparing now, timing your fertilizer correctly, and following a smart watering plan will set you up for success the moment spring arrives.
And when you’re ready for fresh-cut sod or want help planning your early spring fertilizer schedule, Genesis Sod Farms is ready to help. Warmer days are closer than they seem, and a great lawn always starts with good preparation.
