Explore common winter lawn problems affecting cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass or fescue and discover effective solutions to revive and prevent damage.
Winter Lawn Problems & Solutions:
- Vole Damage:
- Address vole damage by identifying their runways early on and using outdoor rodent stations.
- Rake out dead grass from their tunnels and patch bare areas in spring.
- Dead or Patchy Grass:
- Rake out dead grass and wait until spring for repairs, focusing on reseeding when temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 80°F.
- Use Scotts® EZ Seed® Patch & Repair Sun and Shade for small areas or Scotts® Turf Builder® Thick’R Lawn® Sun & Shade for larger sections.
- Snow Mold:
- Loosen matted grass in affected areas during the first sighting of snow mold.
- Use Scotts® EZ Seed® Patch & Repair Sun and Shade for repairs in spring.
- Apply Scotts® DiseaseEx™ Lawn Fungicide in the fall to prevent future fungal issues.
- Salt Damage:
- Minimize de-icing salt damage by using all-natural products like Scotts® Eco-Blend Snow & Ice Melt.
- Flush affected areas with water in late winter before spring growth.
Preventing Winter Lawn Damage:
- Fall Lawn Care Tasks:
- Mulch leaves into the lawn to prevent smothering and snow mold.
- Mow the lawn about 1 to 1.5 inches shorter than usual to discourage winter issues.
- Dethatch in the fall to alleviate dead grass buildup.
- Apply Scotts® Turf Builder® WinterGuard® Fall Lawn Food at the right time for winter preparation.
- Winter Lawn Care Tasks:
- Shovel snow away from the lawn and avoid piling it on. Use snow melt or stack it in a single corner.
- Avoid frequent foot traffic on frosted or dormant lawns to prevent damage.
Conclusion: By maintaining good lawn care habits throughout the year, including fall and winter tasks, you can minimize and overcome common winter lawn challenges. Proper care ensures a healthier lawn that can withstand the rigors of winter.