The impact of snow on your lawn might not seem like a big deal. However, snow affects your lawn in some different ways that can be more damaging than you think. Although your lawn will become dormant during winter, abundant snowfall and other weather factors can lead to some potentially negative consequences related to the health of your lawn. As we continue to move further into fall and closer to the winter months, you may be wondering how to best care for your lawn as the first snowfall approaches. With increased awareness about the potential effects of snow on your lawn, you will hopefully be able to avoid any surprising damage once the snow melts. Continue reading to learn more about the different ways snow can impact your lawn.
Snow Mold
Snow mold is a fungal grass disease that is most commonly found in the cool weather grasses of the northeast. Snow mold often begins to appear once the snow begins to melt away in the spring. Its appearance usually consists of gray or white circles around the areas in which grass is trying to grow. Ensuring your lawn has proper drainage, avoiding over fertilization, and mowing the grass right before the first snow can help to prevent snow mold from developing.
Frozen Grass
While snow will only physically tough the blades of the grass, the freezing temperatures and possibly ice can begin to affect the roots beneath the soil. This can damage the root systems of the grass, causing it to die out. Try to keep from excessively walking or stepping on the frozen grass, and also avoid placing heavy objects on it. Doing those things can fracture the grass blades and lead to longer lasting damage into the spring, or even a complete reseed or re-sodding of the grass altogether.
Salt Damage
Salt is used during the winter months as a way to help prevent ice formation, and to help slippery surfaces become easier to navigate. While this is certainly necessary and helpful, sometimes salt can be applied a little too generously, and can begin to spill over into the turf within your lawn. Salt can be incredibly damaging to grass, so do your best to keep it on your sidewalks and walkways. If you do see it begin to reach your grass, try to clean it up or remove it as soon as possible.
If you are having trouble with any of the problems above, or perhaps another issue pertaining to your lawn, you might begin seeking out the help of an expert lawn care service. Blue Grass Lawn Services specializes in lawn care treatment and prevention in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. We can work with you to develop a personalized plan so that your lawn remains healthy and looking its best throughout the entire year.