5 Simple Tips To Revive Your Lawn After Winter

Harsh winter weather can bring some damage to your lawn. After a long crazy winter weather, you may find that your lawn is not in the best shape. It may have experienced some damage from the chemicals and with it being subjected to the harsh elements of winter. Give your lawn the attention that it needs to help it return to good health and minimize problems that may further damage it later. Make it look at its best and ready for the warm weather ahead. What do you need to do to achieve that?

General Cleanup

The first thing to do is a general clean up. Put away the hoses, sprinklers and other debris that is on the surface. Getting all the debris out of the way lets you evaluate how much damage was done. When you are cleaning up, make sure that nothing is left on the surface so you can start raking all the leaves. Light raking is recommended to avoid ripping the lawn. But remember to wait until your lawn is completely thawed. Otherwise, you will likely tear out the grass and leave an open patch. Molds and pests will sneak in, causing the existing grass to die. If that happens, you will have to dig out the affected area and replace it.

Snow Molds

Once the surface is clear, start assessing the damage. It's important to check it as every lawn is different and the type of damage may vary. What you will usually find are snow molds. A very common problem that appears on the surface after the ice melts. This cold-weather fungus can damage or kill your grass. To remove it, gently rake the grass. This usually works for mild snow molds.

Clean De-icing Products

Salts and other liquid deicing products may be useful in the winter to treat the ice. But once the snow starts to melt, the residue of the materials weakens the grass and soil, potentially causing damage to its health. To prevent any further damage, make sure that you clear off the de-icing materials by washing off the excess salt and chemicals from the affected areas.

Aeration

Due to the ice being piled up during the winter season, your lawn becomes compacted. When the soil is stressed, it's hard for the grass to get the air and nutrients they needed to grow. To soften it, poke shallow holes on the ground or you can use aerators to break up the compacted soil. This will give it some space to breathe and take in the nutrients it needs, allowing the roots to flourish.

Reseed and Fertilize

After your lawn is clear from piles, you can see if there are any patches. If there are any, rake the soil, sprinkle some seeds over the patch and cover it with soil. Water it daily until new grass establishes. Once it is actively growing and properly maintained, feed your lawn with fertilizers. The grassroots will absorb the nutrients and use them as food. Choose a fertilizer that provides the levels of phosphorous, nitrogen and potassium needed by type of grass your lawn has. To be sure, check the packaging for more detailed information. Be sure not to put too much as it can lead to pest infestations.

As we say goodbye to winter, it’s time to get your lawn back into shape. Going into spring with a plan of attack will help minimize tedious work in maintaining it. For more tips on how to maintain your lawn and get that picture-perfect backyard, you can read it here.

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Author: Claire T.