The Polar Vortex And Your Lawn

The end of 2022 sent waves of arctic air through our nation. Various cities experienced record low temperatures for several days.  The polar vortex was dangerous for anyone that had to be outdoors, the health of pets/livestock, exposed skin and lawns.  Especially here in the North Central Kentucky where the health of lawns has already been weakened by the drought last summer and fall.  Extreme weather, such as the polar vortex, can cause some real damage. The number one thing you can do to prepare your lawn for any extreme weather is consistently care for it properly throughout the year. A little freeze is no match for a strong and healthy lawn.

 During the winter there won’t be a lot that you can do for your lawn, so proper care during spring, summer and fall are very important for a healthy lawn.  Proper care includes mowing, lawn treatments, leaf/debris cleanup, and reseeding bare spots if needed.  Almost all varieties of grass go dormant in the winter and require very little care. 

 There are several fungal infections and diseases that threaten your grass during the winter season. The most common of all is snow mold, a disease that can affect almost any type of grass.  Snow mold can affect any lawn that is exposed to cold, murky and moist weather with or without snow for an extended period of time. There are two different types of snow mold disease known as Grey Snow Mold and Pink Snow Mold. Snow mold will often bring about greyish circular patches, the grass may appear “matted” or clumped together, or there may be a grey or pink tinted “web” of what is actually a mold like material over the tops of the discolored patches of grass.

As mentioned previously, to reduce your risk of experiencing snow mold or any fungal lawn disease do not allow leaves to pile up in the fall, keep your grass trimmed, and if you are not already doing so start applying lawn applications.

 For more information about our lawn application program and many other services contact Lancaster Lawn & Landscaping, LLC.  We are here to take the stress out of your lawn and landscape maintenance program.