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. Fertilise appropriately: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to provide nutrients that support new growth and strengthen the grass. We recommend a granule and liquid fertliser application

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. Start a fertlising program 

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 micro environment around the grass.