Identifying and repairing different types of winter lawn damage

Winter can cause issues for your lawn, from frost and ice damage to pest infestations–and repairing winter lawn damage is crucial. Below, we detail how to identify each problem, understand its causes, and implement effective solutions to restore your lawn to its best state.

Frost damage

How to identify frost damage

• Appearance: Frost damage typically appears as dead patches of grass that are discoloured, brittle, and easily crumble when touched.
• Location: This damage is often found in areas of the lawn exposed to cold weather or that have heavy dew accumulation.

Causes of frost damage

• Freezing temperatures: When temperatures drop below freezing, the water inside grass plants expands and causes cell walls to rupture, leading to winter desiccation.
• Dew and moisture: High moisture content in grass increases the likelihood of frost forming and damaging the blades, especially during cold weather.

How to fix frost damage

1. Rake lightly: Use a gentle rake to remove dead grass and brittle blades. This helps air and sunlight reach the soil, promoting faster recovery.
2. Aerate the lawn: Aeration improves soil drainage and reduces soil compaction, which can help the grass recover more quickly from frost damage.
3. Overseed bare spots: Reseed affected areas with grass seeds that match your existing to fill in any bare patches.
4. Fertilise appropriately: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to provide nutrients that support new growth and strengthen the grass.

Snow mould

How to identify snow mould

• Appearance: Snow mould appears as circular patches of matted grass, often with a grey or pinkish tinge, depending on the type of mould.
• Symptoms: The affected areas may feel slimy or have a web-like fungal growth over the grass, indicating turf grasses are struggling to recover.

Causes of snow mould

• Prolonged snow cover: Snow mould develops under prolonged snow cover that keeps the grass damp and prevents it from drying out.
• Poor lawn maintenance: Thatch build-up and improper mowing before winter can contribute to snow mould growth, especially in cool-season grasses.

How to fix snow mould

1. Rake and remove debris: Gently rake the affected areas to remove matted grass and allow the soil to dry out, preventing further winter damage.
2. Improve lawn airflow: Mow the grass slightly lower than usual before winter to increase airflow and reduce mould risks.
3. Apply a fungicide: If snow mould persists, use a fungicide to treat the affected areas.
4. Aerate the lawn: Aeration can help reduce soil compaction and improve drainage, which will minimise the conditions that favour mould growth.

Ice damage

How to identify ice damage

• Appearance: Look for dead patches where ice has been present, as well as areas where grass blades have broken or become matted.
• Symptoms: Grass may appear flat, and the soil underneath can be compacted and lacking oxygen, leading to poor turf grass health.

Causes of ice damage

• Heavy ice cover: Thick layers of ice can suffocate grass by cutting off oxygen and light, causing winter desiccation and damage to the root system.
• Foot traffic on icy grass: Walking on ice-covered grass can crush the blades and compact the soil, causing further damage, especially in areas with snow cover.

How to fix ice damage

1. Gently remove ice if safe: If ice buildup is significant, carefully remove it using a plastic shovel or broom to avoid damaging the grass.
2. Aerate in spring: Aerate the lawn to relieve soil compaction and improve soil aeration, helping grass roots recover from winter damage.
3. Reseed bare patches: Reseed any dead areas to encourage new growth, matching the seed type to your existing lawn. We recommend Sir Walter Buffalo or TifTuf Bermuda.
4. Water appropriately: Begin a consistent watering schedule once temperatures warm up to help the grass recover and support new growth, establishing a strong and healthy lawn.

Winter lawn bug damage

How to identify chinch bug damage

• Appearance: Chinch bug damage presents as large patches of dead grass, often with a yellow or brown appearance, and is commonly seen in warm weather.
• Symptoms: Affected grass will pull up easily, and you may see small black and white bugs on the soil surface, indicating active chinch bugs among turf grasses.

Causes of chinch bug damage

• Feeding on grass blades: Chinch bugs suck sap from grass blades, causing them to wilt and die.
• Poor lawn health: Stressed lawns, especially those with compacted soil, are more susceptible to chinch bug infestations.

How to fix chinch bug damage

1. Apply an insecticide: Use a chinch bug-specific insecticide if infestations are severe, ensuring it is suitable for your type of lawn.
2. Improve lawn health: Regular watering, fertilising, and proper mowing height will help make your lawn less attractive to these pests.
3. Rake and overseed: Remove dead grass and overseed the affected areas to encourage recovery. Choose a grass seed that matches your existing lawn, such as Eureka Kikuyu Grass, to maintain a uniform appearance.

Preventing winter damage to your lawn

Proper preparation and management are essential to protect your lawn from the harsh conditions of winter. By taking these steps, you can reduce the impact of cold weather, frost, and snow on your grass.t.

Managing lawn traffic and protection

Minimise foot traffic:

Walking on frosty or frozen grass can cause the blades to become brittle and break, damaging the grass crowns and leading to dead patches. Set up designated pathways using stepping stones, pavers, or temporary wooden boards in high-traffic areas to minimise foot traffic. This will help direct movement and protect your lawn from unnecessary damage during winter.

Use protective coverings:

For vulnerable areas of your lawn, particularly those that receive a lot of shade or are prone to ice accumulation, consider using breathable protective coverings like burlap, frost blankets, or horticultural fleece. These coverings provide a barrier against extreme cold and frost, helping to maintain a more stable microenvironment around the grass. 

Clear snow carefully:

When clearing snow from driveways and paths, be mindful not to pile it onto your lawn, as this can create heavy, compacted snow drifts that increase the risk of snow mould and suffocation of the grass. Use a shovel or snow blower to distribute snow evenly and away from the lawn areas. When dealing with ice, use pet-friendly and grass-safe ice melts, such as calcium magnesium acetate or sand, instead of salt, which can burn grass blades and damage the soil structure.