Will Snow Kill My Grass?

If you're a homeowner in northeast Ohio, you probably know that the winters can be tough on your lawn. The cold weather and heavy snowfall can take a toll on your grass, and you may be wondering if all of that snow will kill your grass. Rest assured, it's not likely to happen. 

Will Snow Kill Your Grass?

Contrary to popular belief, winter snowfall does not damage your grass! Despite the intensity of some winter weather conditions, your grass is resilient and can handle snow. When the temperatures begin to drop and winter brings shorter days, the grass goes into a sort of “hibernation” mode where it begins storing nutrients in its roots, protecting itself against the cold winter months ahead. While frost and wintertime kill off leaves or shoots, they will rarely hurt the roots or crown of the grass. As such, when spring rolls around and warm temperatures are back for good, the grass will be ready to surge ahead with renewed energy! In other words, it's perfectly normal for your lawn to look brown during winter - don't worry! Just keep an eye on it in case snow accumulation starts to impede growth. With good winter lawn care practices in place, you won't have any issues with snow killing your grass. 

Snowfall as Moisture and Insulation

Winter weather is not always a threat to your lawn. In fact, snow has several benefits for your grass that should not be overlooked when planning winter lawn care. For one, snow traps air around the grass blades, providing insulation for the root systems and protecting them from winter’s chill. Snow can also provide essential moisture for your lawn during winter months. So long as there are reasonable winter temperatures, melting snow can effectively saturate a dry lawn and even penetrate deeper into the soil than winter rainfall would typically permit. Ultimately, an adequate amount of winter moisture is absolutely vital if you wish to keep your lawn looking its best throughout the year. Therefore it is important to remember that snow can be beneficial for your grass in winter; with proper winter lawn care it will help ensure that your lawn stays healthy throughout the cold season.

Covering Your Lawn for Extra Protection 

During winter, many homeowners worry about their grass and think they’re letting the cold season damage all of their hard work. Rare though this is, you can take steps to actively protect your lawn and put your mind at ease. One option to protect the grass is to cover it with a tarp or burlap sack. Covering your lawn helps prevent winterkill by providing an extra layer of insulation against frost and snow. While keeping your lawn covered can be helpful, you should be mindful not to put too much pressure on the grass as this could harm its delicate roots. Additionally, depending on the size of your lawn and weather conditions, you may want to remove any piled snow from areas around trees or in corners that can act as a barrier for the sunshine necessary for photosynthesis. It is also important to make sure the covering you use contains enough ventilation that it does not suffocate the yard underneath. 

The belief that snow will kill your grass is a common misconception. You don't have to worry about snow killing your grass. In fact, snow can actually be beneficial for your grass in many cases. If you're concerned about your lawn during the winter months, contact Advanced Quality Lawn to schedule your winter lawn care services today!