Hello, my name is Alice, a chocolate lab who loves to bound through snowdrifts in the yard. But even I know that while snow makes for great zoomies, it can be tough on your lawn if you’re not careful. Luckily, with some preparation, you can protect your grass all winter long!
How Snow and Ice Affect Your Lawn
- Snow Mold: When snow sits on your grass for an extended period, it creates damp, compacted conditions. This can lead to snow mold, a lawn fungus that leaves gray or pink patches when the snow finally melts.
- Compaction from Heavy Snow: Piling snow in the same spot (like along the driveway or walkway) compresses the soil underneath, making it harder for grass roots to grow in the spring.
- Salt and Ice Melt Damage: While ice melt keeps walkways safe for people and pets, some products contain chemicals that can damage grass and soil.
- Crown Freeze Injury: When temperatures swing from warm to freezing quickly, the crown of the grass (where blades meet the roots) can be damaged. This is especially common in late winter or early spring.
Protect Your Lawn from Winter Damage
- Clear Snow Strategically: Spread snow piles across different areas of your yard instead of heaping them all in one spot. This helps avoid soil compaction and uneven spring growth.
- Choose Pet- and Lawn-Safe Ice Melt: Look for calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) or products labeled as pet-safe; they’re less harsh on your grass and your pup’s paws.
- Limit Foot Traffic: Walking on frozen, snow-covered grass can crush blades and compact the soil. Stick to cleared pathways whenever possible.
- Keep Leaves and Debris Cleared: Leaves or sticks trapped under snow encourage mold and pests. A good fall cleanup makes a big difference in winter lawn health.
- Plan for Spring Recovery: Even with precautions, some damage is typical. Aeration, overseeding, and compost topdressing in spring will help your lawn bounce back.
Why Professional Care Matters
At Welch Lawn Care, we understand how New Hampshire winters impact local lawns. Our team can:
- Recommend safe de-icing options.
- Provide fall cleanup to minimize winter risks.
- Plan spring recovery services to restore your lawn quickly.
Schedule Lawn Care Services with Welch Lawn Care
Snow and ice don’t have to mean a damaged lawn. Contact Welch Lawn Care today to set up seasonal services that protect your property all winter and set the stage for a greener, healthier spring.