Winter Turf Care Tips

The winter season has arrived, and it's essential to be mindful of a few key aspects for maintaining a lush lawn when spring rolls around!

Keep Lawn Free of Debris

Undoubtedly, the top priority during winter months is maintaining a debris-free lawn. While most people promptly clean up the initial fall leaf drop, ongoing litter from trees can persist and create bare spots come spring. The debris left on the lawn for an extended period restricts sunlight and airflow, potentially harming the grass. It's particularly important to address sticks and branches promptly, as they can break down into harder-to-remove pieces. In Northern Virginia, where Red Oak trees shed leaves and branches over several winter months, staying vigilant in cleaning up is especially crucial.

‍

‍

‍

Stay Off of Frozen Grass

During a hard freeze, grass blades can develop an icy halo, and walking across it can lead to severe damage by snapping the blades. While most turf recovers from such damage, if the crown of the plant is harmed, it may result in permanent dead spots that require repair. It's advisable to avoid walking on frozen grass, especially in shaded areas where the icy conditions might persist longer. I had a client with unexplained dead spots in the lawn. After a little investigating, it turned out the dead spots in their lawn were footprints from a party where people who parked in the cul-de-sac had cut across the front lawn during a cold snap.

‍

‍

Clean Up Kids' Toys

With no immediate need for mowing during winter, it's easy to leave kid's toys scattered across the lawn. Toys once enthusiastically used in warmer weather, may become forgotten and left out, potentially creating dead spots if not addressed. Therefore, a simple cleanup of kids' toys can contribute significantly to maintaining a healthy lawn.

‍

Handle Ice Melt with Care

Ice melt used on driveways and sidewalks contains salt that can harm your grass. To prevent damage, ensure that ice melt, applied generously during snow shoveling, doesn't reach the edges of your lawn. The high salt concentrations can lead to damaged turf. If you suspect ice melt near your lawn edges after a storm, water the areas a few days later to flush the salts from the grass's root zone. You can repeat this process a week or two later to be sure.

‍

Remember, a proactive approach to winter lawn care sets the stage for a vibrant and flourishing lawn when the spring season arrives!

‍

‍