The cold months are approaching, and soon, your surroundings will turn into a charming wonderland. But besides the ice, snowfall, and chilly winds, winter may bring unwanted critters and problems that can harm your yard’s health. Learning about them and practicing proper care is paramount to protecting your outdoor areas this winter.
Winter Lawn Pests and Diseases
Elements like tall grass, leaf piles, and dense mulch create ideal havens for bugs and rodents seeking refuge from the cold. Grubs are one of the most common pests in winter. They burrow into the soil, destroy grass, and attract predators that may wreck lawns. Similarly, cinch bugs kill healthy grass by draining their juices and infusing toxic substances.
Moles are also troublesome pests. They tunnel underground, damage lawns, and create unsightly mounds. Voles, another rodent, chew plant roots and stems and form shallow tracks on turfs.
Winter also introduces diseases that visibly impact lawns. Here are some examples and their symptoms:
- Snow Mold—A fungal disease that forms gray or pinkish-white cloudy patches. They typically appear when the snow melts in late winter and can kill grass if left untreated.
- Brown Patch— This fungal disease manifests irregular brown or straw-colored spots from late winter through early spring. It makes the grass look matted and sunken and may damage lawns extensively.
- Necrotic Ring Spot—This devastating condition occurs when hard-to-control fungi colonize grassroots, crowns, and rhizomes. As they grow underground, the spores create rings of dead grass and spread through the soil and turf.
Proper Winter Lawn Care
Eliminating pests and preparing yards for winter can be challenging. To make it easier, here are specific preparations you can do to preserve your lawn’s health during the cold season:
- Remove Leaves and Debris—Rake up fallen leaves, branches, and other debris before the first frost. Any organic matter left on the ground creates a damp environment where mold and fungal spores thrive.
- Trim Grass Lower— In the late fall, mow the grass to approximately two to three inches in height. This practice helps reduce moisture and prevent thatch buildup, which makes it hard for mold and fungi to grow.
- Water Adequately—Hydrate your lawn before winter dormancy to avoid oversaturation. It’s best to do it early in the morning so the grass can dry and prevent fungal infection.
- Aerate and Dethatch—Loosen compacted soil to improve drainage and allow nutrients to seep into the grassroots easily. Moreover, remove dead grass and organic matter where lawn pests and diseases might dwell.
Apply Fertilizer—Use the appropriate type and amount of fertilizer to strengthen roots and avoid disease outbreaks. Opting for phosphorus- and potassium-rich fertilizers is also recommended.
Have a Pest-Free Lawn This Frosty Season Winterizing yards requires thorough and preventive care. With the tips above, you can keep pests and diseases away and enjoy a lush green space come spring. Call Alabama Professional Services today to explore our lawn care options and pest control services.