From Frost to Flourish: How to Revive Your Lawn After Winter

Remember spring? That time of the year when birds are warming up their vocal cords, flowers are dreaming of blooming, but your lawn…well, it looks like it just woke up from a long winter nap.

Heavy snow and ice can leave your yard with bald spots and tired-looking turf. Sure, some lawns bounce back on their own, but why wait when you can help speed things up?

But hold on—don’t jump in just yet! The ground needs to thaw and dry out before it’s ready for action. Depending on where you live, that could mean a few days or even weeks. Working with soggy soil will do more harm than good. We’re going to start by inspecting your lawn for common turf issues we see after the final thaw.

Common Lawn Issues Post Winter

1. Vole Tunnel Damage

Voles stay active during the winter months, thriving beneath snow, where they’re shielded from predators. And you’ve probably seen the burrow signs in your snow. The insulating snow cover allows them to create surface-level tunnels across your lawn as they forage for food, including grass blades and roots.

These tunnels, often appearing as meandering trails of dead grass, can leave your lawn looking damaged and uneven by spring. The lack of movement and sunlight in these areas makes it difficult for grass to recover naturally, further worsening the damage. Chewed roots and plant damage are other signs of vole activity.

2. Snow Mould

Snow mould is a fungal disease that develops under persistent snow cover, particularly in areas where the ground remains cool and damp. This condition is especially common when snow accumulates over unfrozen soil or when organic debris like leaves and grass clippings are left behind before winter.

There are two main types of snow mould:

• Grey Snow Mould: This typically affects grass blades but doesn’t usually kill the roots, leaving the lawn looking discoloured.
• Pink Snow Mould: A more aggressive type that can harm both your grass blades and roots, leading to larger patches of dead grass.

Snow mould thrives in areas with poor drainage, leaving lawns exposed to widespread damage.

3. Ice Damage

Ice damage occurs when thick, frozen layers form over your lawn, suffocating grass and preventing air circulation. This often happens in areas with poor drainage or where heavy snow has compacted and melted into ice.

The prolonged weight of the ice and lack of oxygen can kill grass, leaving behind brown or dead patches. Ice damage is particularly problematic in low-lying sections of your lawn, where water pools and freezes repeatedly throughout the winter.

4. Thin or Weak Turf

Harsh winter temperatures and extended periods of snow cover can leave grass weak, thin, and patchy once the snow melts. Grass blades that are buried under snow for months get little to no sunlight and may struggle to recover their colour and strength.

Additionally, freeze-thaw cycles and temperature fluctuations can weaken the roots, further reducing your turf's ability to thrive. The combination of these factors leaves your lawn looking sparse and less lush, creating an open invitation for weeds to invade and spread in the bare spots.

Your Checklist for Caring For Your Lawn After Winter

So, we’ve talked about the common issues you’d typically see on your lawn after those sub-zero temperatures. Now, how do you help it bounce back for spring?

Glad you asked…

First, Remove Debris

Start by raking away the leftovers from last season. Get rid of the leaves, twigs, and clumps of dead grass. It’s not the most glamorous of jobs, but it’s important for letting sunlight and air circulation reach your lawn. Plus, it’s a good excuse to dust off those gardening gloves!

Next, Gentle Lawn Raking

Go easy on your grass! A gentle raking helps remove thatch (that stubborn layer of dead grass and roots) without damaging new growth. Think of it like giving your lawn a firm massage. Avoid digging too deep; you don’t want to pull up fresh grass shoots.

Then…

Fertilize Your Lawn

Early spring is the perfect time to ‘feed’ your lawn. As temperatures rise and the grass begins to grow, fertilizing provides essential nutrients for strong, healthy roots and vibrant green blades. Your lawn has just woken up from deep slumber, and it needs a nutritious breakfast.

For best results, plan a second round of fertilization in the fall. This supports root growth heading into winter and ensures a head start for spring. And if you want to take the guesswork out of fertilizing, our lawn fertilizer service offers expertly formulated solutions to give your grass the boost it needs.

Aerate the Soil

After months of snow and ice, your soil is likely compacted, making it harder for water, nutrients, and oxygen to reach the roots. Aerate your lawn in spring (by removing small plugs of soil) to help loosen the ground and improve overall absorption.

The best time to aerate is when your grass is actively growing, usually in mid to late spring. Avoid aerating too early while the soil is soggy. Once aerated, your lawn will breathe easier, and you'll see the results in healthier, lusher turf.

Address Bare Patches

Winter can leave behind unsightly bare spots in your lawn, but reseeding or overseeding is a simple fix. Start by loosening the soil in those areas to give new seeds the best chance to take root.

Choose a grass seed variety suited to your region’s climate. For example, cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass are perfect for your lawns. Water the newly seeded areas lightly but consistently, and avoid heavy foot traffic until the grass is established.

Prep for Spring Growth

• Watering Strategies: Start watering only after the soil has dried out and the grass shows signs of active growth. Deep, infrequent watering is the goal since it encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, making your lawn more drought-resistant. Avoid shallow, frequent watering, which can lead to weak roots and more vulnerable turf.
• Early Weed Control: Don’t wait until weeds have taken over. Address them as soon as they appear. Hand-pulling is effective for small infestations, while spot-treating stubborn weeds with an appropriate herbicide can help keep them in check. Taking action early prevents weeds from competing with your grass for sunlight, water, and nutrients.
• Mowing Tips: Set your mower blade higher for the first few cuts of the season, as overly short grass can stress your lawn and make it prone to weeds and pests. Cut no more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. Regular mowing encourages even growth and a lush, manicured look, giving your yard an instant boost in curb appeal.

Bring Your Lawn Back to Life with Green Drop!

Your lawn has been through a lot this winter, but with the right care, it can thrive again. We have lawn care packages designed to transform your yard from frost-bitten to flourishing. We get booked fast, so hurry. We’re serving Winnipeg, Regina, Red Deer, Edmonton, Saskatoon, and Calgary.