There are a few notable negative and positive potential effects of snow on your lawn.
Although your lawn is dormant during the winter and enjoying some much-needed rest, winter weather and other factors may still affect your lawn. An abundance of snow, in particular, can potentially lead to unique consequences. It helps to be aware of these potential effects of snow on your lawn, so you are not surprised by any damage once the snow melts and the temperatures rise. Read on to discover a few of the ways in which snow can impact your lawn, both negatively and positively.
Frozen Grass Blades
When temperatures drop, your grass can become weak and even dehydrated. When temperatures drop below freezing, blades of grass can also freeze. When this happens, it can be easier for breakage to occur. This is why, when possible, you should avoid walking across your grass during the winter. If the blades are frozen, they may break. Eventually, the grass will heal, but it may take a little longer for the trampled areas to look as beautiful as they once did.
Snow Mold Growth
One of the most significant effects of snow on your lawn is snow mold. This mold typically appears as white, pink, or gray patches of grass and appears after the snow has melted. This is caused by residual moisture from melting snow and ice. Fortunately, this damage is often mild and can be treated.
Damaging Rock Salt
If you use rock salt to keep your driveway or sidewalks free from ice during a winter weather event, this salt can affect your lawn. When laying the rock salt, avoid the edges of your lawn when you spread salt on those adjacent surfaces. Otherwise, you may be left with a white border of dead grass.
Increased Nitrogen Levels
Some potential effects of snow on your lawn are, in fact, positive. For instance, when snow falls, it captures ambient nitrogen in the air and preserves it until the snow melts. Once the snow melts, that nitrogen seeps down into the soil. Seasonal snowmelt can then provide your lawn with a bit of an early dose of nitrogen to rally the grass for spring.
Snow Holds In Moisture
Exposed grass risks losing moisture from the cold and dry winds of winter. However, with a layer of snow on the ground, the grass is protected from those winds and can retain moisture.
While the winter can be rough on your lawn, it does provide a couple of benefits. By looking out for these effects of snow on your lawn and taking the time to prepare for spring, you can enjoy a beautiful, green lawn as soon as warm weather returns.
Scientific Plant Service Is Your Go-To Source In Landscape Healthcare
Scientific Plant Service, located in Baltimore, is a privately owned corporation, chartered in Maryland in 1957 by Frank J. Burke. We started as a full-service Arborists specializing in the care of shade trees and ornamental shrubs, but today we are a Lawn Care company that is a huge part of the community. From aquatic environments and snow management to deer and mole control, SPS has services tailored specifically for your lawn and landscape.
We offer services in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia, including: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Calvert counties in MD, as well as Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church in VA. For more information, contact us online, or call us at 410-321-0970. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest!