Most common grass varieties are able to withstand hot and cold temperatures. When the mercury drops too low, however, it can send them into shock.
You can usually tell if your grass is suffering from frost damage by looking at the color. Cold-damaged grass tends to exhibit a brownish color while growing significantly slower than “healthy” grass.
So, what steps can you take to protect your lawn from frost damage?
More Watering, But Less Often
This may sound contradictory, but it’s best to use more water on your lawn while watering it less frequently.
This helps to protect against frost damage by encouraging your grass to dig its roots deep into the soil as it searches for new water.
Maintain Proper pH
When was the last time you checked your soil’s pH level? Many homeowners rarely (if ever) check their soil’s pH. But if the soil is too acidic or too alkaline, grass will have a difficult time growing.
When combined with sub-freezing temperatures, this creates a perfect storm in which grass will cease to grow.
Using either a disposable or reusable tester, check the pH of your soil and make the necessary changes to adjust it as needed.
Pull Weeds
If your lawn has weeds growing on it, either kill them with a chemical-based spray or pull them up by their roots.
Allowing weeds to thrive in your lawn only makes it harder for grass to grow. Weeds consume valuable moisture and nutrients that could otherwise be consumed by your grass.
When pulling weeds, though, you’ll want to make sure you pull the entire weed and its roots. If just a portion of the weed is removed, it will likely grow right back.
Re-Seed
Depending on the extent of the frost damage, you may want to reseed your lawn. It’s best to wait until the temperatures are a little warmer, however.
Mid-spring is usually the best time to reseed a lawn, as grass tends to grow more easily without the effects of frost shock and damage.
Add Nutrients
Of course, you can also protect your lawn from frost damage by adding nutrients. A proper balance of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) is required for healthy growth and development.
If your lawn isn’t getting enough of these nutrients, it will be more susceptible to frost damage.
These are just a few simple steps you can take to protect your lawn from frost damage.
The Woodsman Company offers tree planting, tree pruning and shrub trimming, tree removal and stump grinding as well as a tree wellness program.
If we can help with any of your tree care needs give us a call at 512-846-2535 or 512-940-0799 or
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