What Kills Grass in the Winter? : Lawn Fly

"Winter Culprits: Identifying Factors That Harm Your Grass"

Before you do anything, it's essential to determine what exactly is killing your lawn. If you see areas of browning on your lawn, dig up individual grass plants to bring inside.

If you're unsure, test your soil for various factors, including aeration. Soil testing kits are available for home use, or you can hire a professional service to test your lawn. Soil testing can detect a variety of different problems, from dead grass to an over-aeration problem.

Snow mold

During the winter, you can find snow mold on your lawn. It tends to be more prevalent in areas with snowdrifts and piles of leaves. Snow mold is easy to identify and can appear as small patches or as large as several feet in diameter. The fungal growth is easily identifiable by its white mycelium, which is only visible when the ground is very wet. If snow mold is on your lawn, you should know that it cannot be treated with chemicals once the weather warms up again.

Crown hydration

If you're not sure what causes crown hydration, it is a process in which the blades of grass take in water and die. It is a result of the higher temperatures that thaw frozen soil and confuse grass. When the temperature drops to freezing, the grass prepares for growth by sucking up water and nutrients. To do so, it stores moisture in its crown, or top, which is part of its structure that is level with the soil. As the winter weather begins to warm, this frozen water expands and damages the blade cell membranes, killing turf.

Vole trails

If voles have chewed up your lawn, you'll probably notice long trails of dead grass. Voles prefer to live in grass, so you can discourage them by mowing your lawn to 15 inches or less. Before the snow arrives, remove any piled-up grass and leaves from your yard. Using commercial lawn starting mulch is a good idea, too. Not only does it help new grass grow, but it also prevents voles from finding refuge in the yard. Check out How to Get Rid of Voles in Your Yard

Pre-emergent herbicides

You can use pre-emergent herbicides to ensure your lawn is free from weeds in the winter. You should apply pre-emergent herbicides two times a year, in the late winter and the fall. The ideal time to apply pre-emergent herbicide is when soil temperatures are between 55 and 70 degrees. To ensure the timing is right, purchase a soil thermometer or use a meat thermometer. In addition, you can check the current soil temperature by using a soil temperature map. You can also view the average temperature for five days.

Mowing

While you may have heard that mowing kills grass in the winter, you're mistaken. The colder months can actually promote the growth of grass. Even with the cooler temperatures, the grass will keep growing until the first hard frost. If you leave it uncut, the grass can be fungi and mold. You should cut the grass to a thickness of about 2.5 to 3 inches before the ground freezes.

Overseeding

Overseeding gives your lawn a fresh face. Think of it as giving your yard a software update. Unfortunately, summer takes its toll on lawns. Heavy shade, hot and dry conditions, disease and insect activity, and even your pet's activities can wear down the grass to the soil beneath. As a result, it's essential to overseed your lawn in the fall to avoid a lackluster lawn next spring.

Laying new sod

The fall and winter months present unique challenges for contractors. For example, laying new sod in the winter can be hazardous to the roots of the grass. Fortunately, it's possible to prevent sod death by following a few essential tips. Before you lay your new sod, you'll need to determine the type of grass you're installing. You can also consider where you're installing your new sod.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, understanding the factors that can harm your grass during the winter is essential for maintaining a lush and healthy lawn year-round. While the cold weather itself isn't the primary culprit, it's a combination of various factors that can lead to grass damage. These include compacted soil, ice accumulation, heavy foot traffic, and diseases.

To protect your lawn from these winter threats, consider implementing preventative measures such as proper lawn care throughout the year, avoiding excessive foot traffic on frozen grass, and addressing any compacted soil issues. Additionally, monitoring your lawn's health and promptly addressing any signs of disease or damage can make a significant difference.

By taking a proactive approach and providing your grass with the care it needs, you can minimize the risks and enjoy a beautiful, green lawn when spring arrives. Remember that each region may have its unique challenges, so it's crucial to tailor your winter lawn care routine to your specific climate and grass type for the best results.