As winter blankets Alberta in a layer of snow and ice, it’s essential to pay attention to your lawn to ensure it bounces back lush and green come springtime.
Following are some valuable lawn care tips to protect your green space during the winter months:
Winter: Lawn Care Tip 1: Mindful Ice Melt Application
Winter often brings icy conditions, and while it’s crucial to keep driveways and pathways safe, avoid the temptation to shovel ice melt onto your lawn.
Traditional ice melt products containing sodium chloride can harm your grass and soil. Instead, opt for alternatives like calcium magnesium acetate or potassium chloride, which are less detrimental to your lawn’s health. Be sure to read the label carefully before choosing an ice melt product and choose products specifically designed to be lawn-friendly.
Winter: Lawn Care Tip 2: Avoid Heavy Foot Traffic on Frozen Lawns
Your lawn may look picturesque under a blanket of snow, but resist the urge to walk on it when it’s frozen. Frozen grass blades are more brittle and prone to breakage. Additionally, walking on frozen lawns can lead to soil compaction, restricting essential air and water flow to the grass roots.
Winter: Lawn Care Tip 3: Designate Winter Paths
If you anticipate regular foot traffic across your lawn, establish designated paths or walkways. By concentrating activity in specific areas, you can minimize the impact on the rest of the lawn. This helps prevent compacted soil and potential damage to the grass.
Winter: Lawn Care Tip 4: Avoid Leaving Items on the Lawn
Ensure your lawn is free of debris and objects before the snow settles in. Leaving items like furniture, toys, or tools on the lawn throughout the winter can create dead patches and hinder healthy growth. The weight of these items may also contribute to soil compaction.
Winter: Lawn Care Tip 5: Proactive Fall Lawn Maintenance
Undertake essential fall lawn care practices to fortify your grass against winter stress:
- Aerate the soil to allow for better water and nutrient absorption.
- Overseed to promote a dense and resilient lawn.
- Apply a late fall fertilizer to provide your grass with the nutrients it needs during the colder months.
Check out our blog for more tips: “Fall Lawn Care: Preparing Your Lawn For Winter and a Lush Spring“.
Winter: Lawn Care Tip 6: Monitor Snow Mould Risk
Keep an eye out for signs of snow mould, a fungal disease that thrives in cool, wet conditions.
Rake away debris and matted grass to improve air circulation, preventing the development of snow mould. Addressing these issues in early spring can help your lawn recover quickly. Learn more about snow mould in our blog, “Snow Mould“.
Winter lawn care in Alberta is not just about enduring the cold; it’s about setting the stage for a vibrant, healthy lawn when the snow finally melts away. By following these tips and being mindful of winter lawn care practices, you can ensure that your green space remains resilient and ready to flourish as the seasons change.
If you have any questions about caring for your lawn, please feel free to contact our team.
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