Introduction
While many people just consider winter as the time when everything dies down and goes dormant until spring, there are actually many ways that winter can have an adverse effect on your yard. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of these issues so you can take action to keep them from happening in your own backyard!
Winter is a season of extremes.
Winter is a season of extremes. Temperatures can swing from warm to cold, snow can build up quickly and the ground freezes, making it hard to work on your lawn. The sun does not shine as much during the winter months so grass grows slower than usual.
Understanding Snow Mold
Snow mold is more than just a cosmetic issue. The fungus can cause turf damage and discoloration in your grass, leading to poor water absorption and eventual death if left untreated. Snow mold is more likely to occur in areas with poor drainage and snow that remains on the ground for long periods of time.
Overwintering Pests
Pests and diseases overwinter in the soil, damaging the grass below the snow. This damage becomes apparent in spring when you mow your lawn. If left untreated, it can become severe enough to require reseeding or replacement of your entire lawn. The best way to avoid this problem is by using a good lawn care program that includes fertilizing, aerating, and other practices that promote healthy root growth during winter months (GleeWork).
Snow Plows and the Damage
Lawn damage from snow plows can be avoided by taking a few precautions. First, make sure you know when the city will be plowing your street. The best way to do this is by calling 311 or visiting their website and checking online for updates on when they plan to clear your neighborhood streets.
Second, take steps before a storm hits so that you don't end up with patches of brown grass in an otherwise green lawn after it has passed through:
- Watering regularly can help keep roots strong and healthy during winter; make sure not too much water gets trapped under the ice because this could cause root rot or other problems for your plants!
- Mulch helps retain heat around tree stumps so they don't freeze as quickly as bare soil does during cold weather spells (this also helps prevent weeds).
Solutions for Winter Damage
To help prevent winter damage to your lawn, consider mulching and removing snow from the lawn. Mulching is a great way to reduce soil erosion and improve soil quality while also increasing water retention and reducing mowing frequency. If you're new to mulch, it's important that you choose high-quality materials: look for organic matter such as bark chips or pine needles rather than sawdust from pressure-treated wood since this type may contain chemicals that could leach into the soil (and therefore into any plants growing in it).
To prevent snow from accumulating on top of your grass during winter months, try using a light layer of straw overtop all areas where there is no vegetation--this will help keep moisture in place so that when spring comes around again it isn't too difficult for new shoots to break through the surface!
Conclusion
Winter has its charms but can also be tough on your lawn. If you want to protect your investment and keep your grass healthy, follow these tips to ensure that winter doesn't become an expensive disaster, or let GleeWork practice them for you!