Have you ever stepped out to view your recovering spring yard only to find ugly patches of dead grass? It’s winterkill, a terrible phenomenon that seemingly happens spontaneously! Once the snow thaws and lawns begin to grow new shoots, “random” patches of grass never revive from winter. Why’s that?
Unfortunately, these grass areas will never come back without starting from scratch. As unexpected as it might appear, winterkill has many names and reasons. We aim to break it into an easy-to-understand issue so you’ll never have to deal with it again.
Understanding Winterkill: What Is It and Why Does It Happen?
Winterkill is appropriately named because it’s an umbrella term for when turfgrass dies over the winter. Winterkill can happen for several reasons, including:
- Freezing temperatures: Sub-zero soil temps are the #1 killer of cool-season turfgrasses.
- Desiccation: Turfgrasses are exposed to dehydrating, cold winds.
- Crown freeze: Warmer temperatures melt ice, hydrating the crown, and colder temperatures freeze it.
- Ice suffocation: The turf becomes covered by ice, preventing it from releasing oxygen and causing a buildup of toxic gases.
Pre-Winter Lawn Care: Setting the Foundation for Resilience
The real difference happens before winter arrives in your New England area. Whether in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, or Connecticut, one thing remains constant: Late fall lawn maintenance can save your turfgrass. These are some of the essential to-do tasks for every lawn owner in the fall:
- Overseed with cool-season turfgrass: Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass are two of our most trusted varieties for winter hardiness.
- Water deeply: Grass stores water in its roots all winter long. However, blustery winds can dehydrate your turf. Water generously before the ground freezes.
- Continue mowing: Don’t stop until grass growth slows in late fall. This simple step will prevent overgrowth that encourages mold and mildew.
Protecting Your Lawn During Winter
Let’s be honest: Once the ground freezes, there’s not much you can do to prevent winterkill. That’s why pre-winter lawn care is so vital! Regardless, there are some things you can remember to protect your lawn during the winter.
Snow is a friend— not foe— to your grass. A blanket of snow slows the heat loss within your soil, keeping your grass roots warm and freeze-free. It also acts as a windbreaker, shielding your grass blades from drying winds.
Secondly, avoid salting near your lawn. Be extra cautious as you apply de-icing agents and salt to walkways and driveways, leaving a nice gap between it and the yard’s edge. Salt quickly dehydrates, burns, and depletes grass nutrients, so keeping a distance is best!
Spring Recovery for a Lively Lawn
Once winter is behind us, what’s there to do? Spring is just around the corner (woohoo!), so let’s learn how to welcome your lawn back with care. In Massachusetts, winter thaw usually happens in late April to early May, giving you plenty of time to prepare. After a frigid and dry season, chances are your grass will need some TLC.
For a lawn that survived winter
Start spring off right with a fertilizer application during peak shoot growth. This early spring feeding provides your depleted grass with ample nutrients. During that same treatment, a pre-emergent crabgrass control is vital to help keep the crabgrass at bay. The fertilizer will promote denser foliage on the surface and stronger root growth in the ground, readying it for a hot summer.
For a lawn that suffered from winterkill
As you begin revamping your regular lawn care routine, you might notice some winterkill patches. Unfortunately, these areas won’t come back without additional help. Once you’ve identified the dead grass areas, wait until the soil reaches a peak temperature of 50-65°F. We know the wait might be challenging, but new growth needs an optimal climate to flourish!
Then, rake and aerate the area well. Raking and aerating will loosen the soil and help new grass shoots take root. Once the soil is level, reseed over the spot with a seed spreader containing a blend that matches your lawn’s makeup and lightly water to help it settle. Over three weeks, lightly water twice daily to keep the top soil layer moist. As the shoots germinate and mature, you can reduce your watering frequency while watering more at a time.
Sign Up For Our Comprehensive Lawn Care Program
Protect your delicate yard from the dangers of winterkill – no matter what New England’s weather throws your way. Contact us today to sign up for our annual lawn care program services available in MA, CT, and RI!
