In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the basic expectations you should have for your lawn headed into the winter season. Being prepared for what will come during this time of year is important for not only your peace of mind, but also for ensuring you have a great lawn come spring thaw. 

At Olympus Landscaping, we’re proud to offer a wide range of landscaping design and installation services, plus assistance with simple themes like lawn care and maintenance. While part one of our series looked at the late fall and early winter periods we’re just in or moving past right now, today’s part two will dig into what to expect as the winter wears on, plus how to be sure you’re prepared for spring.

Certain Continued Growth

While most grass in your lawn will die or become dormant during the winter, as we discussed in part one, there are also certain types of “winter grasses” like ryegrass or fescue that are able to continue growing and blossoming even during the colder months. While this might sound like a good thing (and it certainly is much more aesthetically pleasing than the alternative), it does mean you’re going to have to keep up with lawn care during even the harshest of winter weather patterns.

The reason for this is that if left unchecked, these kinds of grasses could eventually crowd out the kind of grasses that go dormant in the winter, thus creating an uneven playing field for when spring does eventually come. To help counteract this effect, you should keep up with any necessary lawn treatments or fertilizations throughout the year, even when it means doing so under less than ideal conditions.

Snow Mold Risks

During the winter, it’s also important to check your lawn area for snow mold, which is a kind of fungus that can grow on grasses during cold, wet periods. Left unchecked, this fungus can quickly kill off large patches of your lawn, so it’s important to address any signs of it as soon as you notice them.

One common way to deal with snow mold is to rake your lawn lightly after the snow has melted, thus exposing the grass to more sunlight and air. This is also a good way to ensure that any snow mold spores are killed off, which can reduce or even eliminate your lawn’s chances of being affected by the fungus again next winter.

Late Winter/Early Spring

While it’s still a few months away, a few basics to keep in mind once your lawn begins to thaw during the late winter or early spring period:

• Pick up large branches, twigs and other yard debris that may have accumulated over the winter. Not only can this help to improve your lawn’s appearance, but it will also make it easier for you to spot any early signs of pests or diseases.
• Reseed any areas of your lawn that may have been affected by snow mold or other winter conditions.
• Repair any bare patches of grass that are present.
• Get ahead on weed control by applying pre-emergent herbicides to your lawn.

For more on how to navigate the remainder of winter and even the early spring season for your lawn care needs, or to learn about any of our landscaping services, speak to the staff at Olympus Landscaping today.