Following recent winter storms across large portions of the U.S., TruGreen experts are monitoring landscapes for potential storm-related stress caused heavy ice accumulation and rapid temperature swings. While your lawn and landscape may look fine as temperatures begin to warm, some storm-related damage won’t fully show up until later in the growing season.

Ice is especially damaging to trees and shrubs. The added weight can snap twigs and limbs, deform flower and leaf buds, and injure internal tissues. In some cases, trees may leaf out normally in early spring, only to decline or die weeks later due to hidden vascular damage caused by cracked or broken branches. As a result, selective pruning may be needed to remove damaged wood and help protect long-term tree health. A proper fertility plan may also support recovery and regrowth.

Warm-season grasses such as St. Augustine and centipede, as well as some cool season grasses like bentgrass, can also be affected. These grasses spread by above-ground runners called stolons, which are more exposed to ice buildup and rapid temperature changes. Because stolons are not firmly insulated by soil, they are more vulnerable to injury than rooted plant parts, damage that may become noticeable as growth resumes later this season.

In the weeks ahead, TruGreen experts will continue to monitor these conditions as the season progresses and help you to identify storm-related issues early, allowing for timely adjustments to ensure the best health and appearance of your landscape.