How To Prep Your Saskatoon Lawn for An Onslaught of Snow

As Saskatoonians gear up for another snowy winter (let’s face it, winter practically owns the calendar here), it’s time to talk about lawn care.

While it’s true we want to let your lawns hibernate under the snow in the winter, they do need a bit of pre-winter pampering so that when spring rolls in, they’re ready to burst out and thrive.

So, grab a cup of something warm, and let’s get into how you can give your green space the winter wardrobe it deserves.

Why Does Your Lawn Need Special Care Before Snowfall?

Snowfall itself is not quite as destructive; when it becomes ice, you’ve got yourself a problem. Here’s why we’re not big fans:

• Snow mould: This fungal disease thrives under snow cover on unfrozen ground, particularly affecting cool-season grasses. Since treatment options are limited once snow mould appears, the best approach is preventative.
• Compaction: Heavy snow, especially when combined with foot traffic or machinery (like snowblowers or shovelling), can lead to soil compaction. Compacted soil prevents air, water, and nutrients from reaching the grass's roots, resulting in poor growth in spring and making your lawn more susceptible to other problems.
• Crown Hydration: This happens when the grass absorbs water from melting snow, which then refreezes during a cold snap. This freeze-thaw cycle can damage the grass cells. We usually see this in late winter or early spring when temperatures fluctuate above and below freezing.
• Ice Damage: If snow melts and refreezes, it basically creates a layer of ice over your lawn. This, unfortunately, blocks the oxygen and sunlight from getting to your grass, which means your grass isn’t getting what it needs to thrive. Extended periods of ice coverage can lead to damage.

So, yes, while snow has its benefits, it can lead to several issues for your lawn. And here’s what you can do:

Prepping Your Saskatoon Lawn for Snowfall

1. Adjust Your Lawn Care Practices

As winter approaches, you need to change your lawn care regimen. Here’s a rundown on how to keep your lawn tidy come snowfall:

• Cut Down on Watering: At this point, minimize watering slowly until the first frost. Keep your eyes out on the weather reports. When you see a forecast of below-zero temperatures or snow within a few weeks, stop watering. Until then, light watering will do your lawn good. A well-hydrated lawn is better equipped to handle the stress of freezing temperatures. The goal is to keep it moist, not soggy, to prevent ice from forming in the soil which can lead to root damage.
• Mowing Matters: Keep mowing your grass until it stops growing. Raising the blade to leave your grass a little taller (about 2.5 inches) can help protect roots from frost and provide insulation from the cold. Taller grass also helps maintain moisture during the dry, windy winter days.
• Clear the Litter: Leaves can be both a treat and a trick. A thin layer of finely chopped leaves can provide essential nutrients when decomposed. However, too thick a layer might lead to fungal diseases and dead spots. Mulch leaves and let them compost naturally on your lawn if it’s not too much. Otherwise, rake them up to prevent matting.
• Perennial Weed Control: Fall is a good time to fight back against perennial weeds. Tackling weeds like dandelions now can prevent them from gaining a foothold in spring. Apply a targeted herbicide or hand-pull these troublemakers to clear the way for your grass to thrive.

2. Drain Your Sprinkler System

As the leaves start falling, it’s a signal to tuck in your sprinkler systems and outdoor faucets for a long winter's nap. You can avoid the frosty faux pas of burst pipes with these easy steps:

• Shut Down the Sprinkler System: Start by turning off the water supply to your sprinkler system. Locate the main valve and turn it off. Next, drain the system by opening the drain valves located at the lowest points. Gravity will do its thing, pulling water out of the pipes and sprinkler heads.
• Blow Out the Lines: To remove any lingering water, use an air compressor to blow out the lines. Attach it to the blow-out port and let it rip until only air comes out of the sprinkler heads. This step is crucial since leftover water can freeze, expand, and cause pipes to burst.
• Outdoor Faucets: Don’t forget about your faucets! Turn off their water supply from inside your house, then open the faucets outside to drain any remaining water. This simple precaution removes excess water from the pipes.

3. Give Your Lawn Some Last-Minute TLC

You want to give your green space the best chance to weather the snow and burst back in spring with a vengeance.

• Let the Lawn Breathe By Aerating: Just like us, your lawn needs to breathe. Aerating your lawn in the fall helps relieve compaction caused by summer traffic and opens up the soil to receive moisture and nutrients. It allows oxygen to reach the grassroots, which helps them grow deep and strong.
• Overseed to Fill in the Blanks: Right after aeration, scatter some grass seed over the lawn. It's a great way to fill in thin spots and ensure a denser, more resilient turf. The cool autumn weather is perfect as it reduces the risk of seed evaporation, and the seeds have a cozy soil bed to germinate in.
• Winterizer Fertilizers: Apply a winterizer fertilizer to your lawn. These fertilizers are high in potassium and strengthen the plant cells to be more resistant to disease and frost damage. They also have lower nitrogen content, which avoids spurring tender growth that the frost would love.

4. Managing Moisture Through Smart Drainage

Proper drainage in your yard protects your home's foundation from water damage and prevents the accumulation of ice near your living spaces. Here’s how to keep the water flowing in the right direction:

• Assess and Adjust: Inspect your yard for any low spots or areas where water tends to collect. Filling these depressions with soil or creating a gentle slope away from your home can improve surface drainage.
• Address Your Gutters: Clean and check your gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters can lead to overflow and accumulation near your foundation, which is a risk you can't afford in freezing temperatures. Consider adding extensions to downspouts to direct water further away from your home's foundation, ideally 3 to 4 feet.
• Upgrade Your Drains: For chronic drainage issues, more advanced solutions like French drains or dry wells might be necessary. These systems effectively collect and redirect water, keeping it away from your home and safely dispersing it into the ground or other drainage systems.

5. Safeguarding Your Lawn Gear and Grounds

As you prepare for the onslaught of snow, it's not just your snow boots that need to get winter-ready; your lawn care tools and trails need some love, too!

• Pack Up Your Tools: Before your mower and trimmers hibernate for the winter, give them a good clean and drain any remaining fuel. Old fuel is like last year's eggnog; it doesn't age well and could gum up your equipment come spring. Lubricate moving parts to prevent rust and store everything in a dry, frost-free spot. If you’re feeling extra, give them a cozy blanket (read: tarp) for that warm, fuzzy feeling.
• Make Your Driveway Safe: Cracks in your driveway and walkways can become dangerous with the freeze-thaw cycle. Inspect these areas closely and fill any cracks with a quality sealant. This not only prevents water from getting in and making things worse but also keeps your curb appeal from crumbling.

Get Set Before the Snow With Green Drop

Winter's practically at your doorstep, and along with it will come snow—a lot of it! Don’t let it catch your lawn off guard.

Whether you need expert snow removal after the fact or comprehensive lawn care before, Green Drop’s got your back. When those heavy snow days hit you, make sure you have a reliable snow removal company on your side. We guarantee snow removal within 24 hours and unlimited visits during the season.

From Saskatoon to Edmonton, Red Deer, Calgary, and Regina, our team is here to keep your outdoor space in peak condition all year round. So, get in touch, and let us work our magic.