How to prevent lawn damage in winter

This has been one powerful winter so far. If you live in one of the states and provinces affected by the recent storms, you’ve probably been working hard to keep up with snow removal.

Keep in mind that snow removal can be brutal to yards!

Your lawn is probably far out of mind but here are a few things you should do to minimize damage to your lawn and yard:

Mark the perimeter of your lawn with light-reflecting poles. This will prevent damage caused by shoveling or using a snowblower on the lawn. Sadly, when the snow melts, it’s fairly common to see large chunks of lawn ripped up.

Rake up debris. On warmer, snow-free days, rake up leaves or other debris that accumulated after winter began.

Consider using salt alternatives to melt ice. Salt does a good job melting ice but it leads to crumbling and cracking in concrete and metal. It also kills grass and other vegetation. Take care when applying salt to sidewalks and driveways. Try to avoid getting salt close to your lawn. Salt is also harmful to pets, as it settles into pet paws, leading to drying and cracking. While they won’t melt ice, kitty litter and coffee grinds are helpful in improving traction on ice. Check your local home improvement store for organic salt alternatives. Note that some salt alternatives may still be harmful to vegetation so it’s best to avoid applying it near the edges of your lawn.

Prevent the growth of snow mold.

Come spring when you’re eager for a plush, green lawn, you may be disappointed to discover large patches of brown or gray fungus spread across your lawn. If that happens, rake out dead grass and speak with a professional at your local lawn care center about treatments best for your grass type and climate. Snow mold growth is common in yards with tall grass, leaves and other debris left in piles and improper or excessive amounts of fertilizer. Be sure to cut your lawn to an appropriate length and rake up leaves before winter arrives. Always do your homework to determine what type of fertilizer is best for your grass type and climate. It varies greatly.

Stay safe out there.