Frost and how TopGrass can help with winter lawn damage

05 January 2017

For Garden lovers spring is only round the corner, unfortunately it will unveil any damage caused by the winter months. Winter damage is a common problem for many gardeners, but don’t fret all is not lost, it is inevitable that all lawns will become damaged at some stage during the winter months.

Frost

Generally grass is very hardy and in most circumstances is not damaged by frost, damage is caused when lawns are walked on whilst frozen.

What damage is caused to frozen lawns?

Walking on a frosty lawn can fracture frozen grass leaves. You’ll often notice footprints left on a frozen lawn, unknowingly walking on a frozen lawn will rupture leaf cells and can also cause fungi or snow mould. Never mow or run anything over a frozen lawn.

Is any frost beneficial to a lawn?

Frost can surprisingly be beneficial for lawns. It helps produce a stronger root structure and so isn’t as bad as you may think.

Freezing conditions/Frost Heaving

Frost heaving occurs when water in the ground freezes. Frozen water expands and swells causing a lawn surface to ‘heave up’. There is little you can do to stop or prevent this occurring. In the spring months a light roll in dry conditions will often flatten raised areas.

Snow Mould

Snow itself is general is not a problem for lawns but can cause a fungal disease known as snow mould. Snow mould is easily identified and there are several different varieties, from grey to pink. Snow mould will kill grass leaves and turf. When clearing paths or driveways be wary not to overpile a lawn in dense snow. Snow mould will usually clear in drier conditions. Newer lawns suffer particularly during periods of snow.

Winter garden nutrients

Nutrients are key to maintaining a lawn healthy throughout the year. Nurture your lawn according to its environment. Nutrients aid root health and growth enabling your lawn to withstand the winter months and reducing damage from frost and freeze. Good garden maintenance should be adhered to all year.

Our top tips on how to care for your frozen lawn

• Avoid walking on a frozen lawn. Frost freezes the grass so it becomes rigid and brittle, when walked on the leaf cells rupture
• Do not mow your lawn if there is frost on the lawn or the ground is frozen
• Invest in good lawn management with TopGrass

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