Winter is here! While your grass is dormant under the snow, there are a number of winter lawn problems that can damage your yard. Understanding these issues and knowing how to prevent or fix them can help your lawn bounce back healthy in the spring. Northern Roots is here to talk about some of the most common winter lawn problems and how to tackle them.
Winter Lawn Problem: Snow Mold
Snow mold is a fungal disease that thrives when snow covers your lawn for extended periods of time. It can damage your lawn, creating unsightly patches of dead or discolored grass. Snow mold typically forms when snow melts and the grass underneath stays damp for a long time, combined with cold temperatures. As the mold spreads, it can cause the grass to turn brown and die in patches.
How to Prevent Snow Mold
The best way to combat snow mold is by taking preventative measures in the fall before the snow flies:
- Rake Leaves and Debris: Dead leaves, sticks, and other organic matter can trap moisture and create conditions favorable for mold.
- Avoid Overwatering in Fall: Excess moisture on your lawn can contribute to mold growth.
- Improve Air Circulation: If your lawn is heavily shaded, consider trimming back overhanging trees to allow more sunlight and airflow, which can help dry out your lawn faster.
- Use Fungicide: In severe cases, you can apply a fungicide before the snow falls to help prevent snow mold. Consult your local garden center or a lawn care professional for the best options.
How to Fix Snow Mold
If you notice snow mold damage in the spring, don’t panic. Once the weather warms up and the snow melts, the mold will usually clear up on its own. You can also help by gently raking the affected areas to remove any dead grass and improve airflow. If dealing with snow mold is overwhelming or if your allergies make it hard for you to handle, contact Northern Roots to help with snow mold repair.
Winter Lawn Problem: Salt Damage from Driveways and Sidewalks
Many of us in Minnesota use salt to keep driveways and walkways clear. While salt is effective for melting ice, it can cause major problems for your lawn by seeping into the soil and make it harder for grass to take up water and nutrients. This leads to “salt burn,” where the grass turns brown, becomes weak, and may eventually die. Salt can also cause the soil to become compacted, which further damages the grass.
How to Prevent Salt Damage
- Use Salt Sparingly: Instead of salting your entire driveway, focus on high-traffic areas where ice is most likely to form. You can also use alternatives like sand or pet-safe deicers.
- Create a Barrier: If possible, build a barrier (like a garden bed or small wall) between your lawn and the areas where you regularly apply salt to prevent runoff from reaching your grass.
- Post Snow Cleanup: After the snow and ice melt, consider giving your lawn a good rinse with water to help wash away any remaining salt. This can reduce its harmful effects.
How to Fix Salt Damage
If you notice salt damage once the weather warms up, try aerating the soil to help improve drainage and reduce compaction. You can also apply organic matter like compost to help restore the soil’s health.
WInter Lawn Problem: Vole Damage
Voles are small, mouse-like rodents that tend to hide and create shallow tunnels under the snow in winter. You’ll notice brown, thinned-out areas where the grass has been eaten down to the roots and you may even see tiny holes or tracks where the voles have burrowed.
How to Prevent Vole Damage
- Keep Your Lawn Clean: Voles are attracted to tall grass, piles of leaves, and other debris that provide cover. Clean up your lawn in the fall to make it less inviting to voles.
- Use Repellents: Vole repellents are available at garden centers and use strong scents, like garlic or castor oil, to keep voles away. Avoid using poisons, as this can affect not just the voles, but also pets, birds, and other wildlife.
- Mow Before Winter: Giving your lawn a final mow before winter helps reduce the areas where voles can hide.
How to Fix Vole Damage
If you discover vole damage in the spring, you can replant grass seed in the affected areas. In severe cases, you may need to reseed large patches of your lawn and ensure you take steps to prevent voles in the future. Not sure where to begin? Northern Roots is able to help restore your lawn in the spring.
Other Common Winter Lawn Issues
- Thatch Buildup: Thatch is a layer of dead grass and roots that can accumulate on the soil surface. In the winter, this can trap moisture and create a favorable environment for diseases like snow mold. Thatch also provides areas for voles to burrow. If you notice thick thatch buildup, consider dethatching your lawn in the fall.
- Compacted Soil: Heavy foot traffic, snow, and ice can compact your soil, making it harder for grass roots to get the air, water, and nutrients they need. Aerating your lawn in the fall or early spring can help alleviate compaction.
- Winter Kill: Extremely cold temperatures can cause grass to die from dehydration, especially if there is a lack of snow cover. If you live in a particularly cold climate, you might want to invest in cold-tolerant grass varieties or use a winter mulch to protect your lawn.
Northern Roots is Here to Help!
Winter can pose several challenges to maintaining a healthy lawn, but with the right strategies, you can minimize the damage and set your grass up for a successful spring. By managing snow mold, salt damage, vole activity, and other common winter issues, you’ll help ensure your lawn comes out of the cold months strong and green. If you need help managing your lawn, contact Northern Roots to help! And don’t forget – we’re here to help you even in winter with our snow removal services.