Lawn Care and You: Protect Your Lawn for Winter

There are specific types of plants that are particularly susceptible to winter damage and pathogens like snow mold. While these plants are more easily affected by winter conditions, they are by no means ill or weak. They are simply more delicate to these conditions than most.

• Cool Season. These grasses, including bentgrass, ryegrass, fine fescue, annual bluegrass and rough bluegrass, are more prone to harbor snow mold, a mold that thrives on wet, cold temperatures and can be spread by wind or splashing rain. Tall grass or grass that is not mowed well is more likely to be infected.
• Evergreen plants. Evergreens, especially those in exposed sites where winter wind can directly hit them, are more likely to get winter burn, which can scorch leaves, cause leaf mottling, leaf drop and in some cases, plant or leaf death.
• Trees and shrubs not approapriate for area. It's important to understand that some plants are hardier than others when it comes to certain climate changes; for instance, a plant that will grow well in a tropical area may not do as well in a cooler environment, making them prone to things like low temperature injury, which can result in complete plant death.
• New plants and fruits growths. New growths are delicate, especially when it comes to frost injury, which can make new growths sprout twisted, wilted, cupped or curled. Other symptoms include holes in the leaves, as well as brown to black flowers, buds, fruits or leaves.
• Transplants and stressed plants. If you've just transplanted a plant, or if you have a plant that is already under stress, you should be aware that they are more likely to suffer from winter injury.

So, how can you avoid winter injury and all of the other dangers that come with the cool season? One of the best things you can do to control and lessen the effects of winter is to make sure they are getting enough water. Watering your plants strategically can help avoid many issues and protect your plants and lawn from damage. 

What does that mean, strategically? Well, for instance, snow mold thrives on extended cold and wet weather, so watering your turf only as necessary will help keep it healthy and control the spread of mold. On the other hand, the chances of winter injury can be decreased significantly by simply making sure that the root zone in your plants, trees and turf has the necessary moisture to maintain them, especially just before a freeze. Mulch around the trees and shrubs can help keep moisture in the soil so it doesn't dry out. 

The best decision you can make overall, however, is to find lawn care services that provide science-based, knowledgeable solutions based on the condition, climate and nutrient levels in your lawn. TruGreen® can help you protect your plants and lawn by customizing a unique lawn care plan designed to meet your property's unique needs. With a Healthy Lawn Analysis®, you can learn more about what can help protect your lawn from the elements, as well as what can get it into a healthy and lush shape. Plus, both the Healthy Lawn Guarantee® and the Tree & Shrub Guarantee® ensure your satisfaction, so you can rest easy even in the winter months.

To learn more about TruGreen's lawn care services, call now at 866.688.6722, or visit them on the web at TruGreen.com. You can also check them out in their social communities on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+ and Pinterest.