{"id":43219,"date":"2025-12-09T19:26:19","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T19:26:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=43219"},"modified":"2026-11-12T21:27:00","modified_gmt":"2026-11-12T21:27:00","slug":"common-winter-lawn-care-mistakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/common-winter-lawn-care-mistakes\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Common Winter Lawn Care Mistakes"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 <strong>Timing causes most damage:<\/strong> Mowing, watering, feeding, or dethatching at the wrong time does more harm than the cold itself.<br>\u2022 <strong>Match prep to your grass:<\/strong> Cool-season, warm-season, and transition zone lawns each need a different winter schedule.<br>\u2022 <strong>Damage hides until spring:<\/strong> Winter injury usually shows up later as dead patches, matted turf, and weeds.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most common winter lawn care mistakes are timing errors: mowing, watering, or feeding your grass at the wrong time. What you do now decides whether spring brings thick turf or dead patches, weeds, and lawn disease.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Below are the 11 mistakes that cause the most damage, the fix for each, and when to act.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-3b301af7-1174-4321-a39e-2b4185934454\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">11 mistakes that damage your lawn in winter<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/common-winter-lawn-care-mistakes\/#0-1-underwatering-or-overwatering-\" style=\"\">1: Underwatering or overwatering<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/common-winter-lawn-care-mistakes\/#1-2-not-winterizing-your-irrigation-system-\" style=\"\">2: Not winterizing your irrigation system<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/common-winter-lawn-care-mistakes\/#2-3-walking-on-frozen-or-snow-covered-grass-\" style=\"\">3: Walking on frozen or snow-covered grass<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/common-winter-lawn-care-mistakes\/#3-4-ignoring-thatch-and-moss-\" style=\"\">4: Ignoring thatch and moss<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/common-winter-lawn-care-mistakes\/#4-5-not-removing-leaves-and-debris-\" style=\"\">5: Not removing leaves and debris<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/common-winter-lawn-care-mistakes\/#5-6-mis-timing-the-last-mow-\" style=\"\">6: Mis-timing the last mow<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/common-winter-lawn-care-mistakes\/#6-7-mowing-in-the-same-pattern-repeatedly-\" style=\"\">7: Mowing in the same pattern repeatedly<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/common-winter-lawn-care-mistakes\/#7-8-using-winter-fertilizer-incorrectly-\" style=\"\">8: Using winter fertilizer incorrectly<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/common-winter-lawn-care-mistakes\/#8-9-using-weed-killers-when-it%E2%80%99s-freezing-\" style=\"\">9: Using weed killers when it\u2019s freezing<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/common-winter-lawn-care-mistakes\/#9-10-failing-to-prevent-snow-mold-\" style=\"\">10: Failing to prevent snow mold<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/common-winter-lawn-care-mistakes\/#10-11-using-salt-or-chemical-deicers-carelessly-\" style=\"\">11: Using salt or chemical deicers carelessly<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/common-winter-lawn-care-mistakes\/#11-faqs-\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 id=\"0-1-underwatering-or-overwatering-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"1-underwatering-or-overwatering\"><span id=\"mistake-1-underwatering-or-overwatering\">1: Underwatering or overwatering<\/span><\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Problem: <\/strong>If you quit watering too early, your grass may go dormant prematurely, become thin, or suffer root damage. Once rain comes, it will invite weeds and moss to your lawn.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keenan L. Amundsen, turfgrass genetics professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, warns that winter winds and snow cover can rob grass of moisture and kill it, a phenomenon known as crown desiccation. The crown is the growing point at the base of each plant.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When it dries out, that grass doesn&#8217;t come back in spring, no matter how green it looked in November.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overwatering does the opposite, inviting fungal disease and root rot.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Solution:<\/strong> Continue watering in the fall, but stop as temperatures consistently fall below 40 degrees and the ground freezes (or until you winterize your sprinklers, as we\u2019ll go over next).<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/when-stop-watering-lawn\/\">When to Stop Watering Your Lawn<\/a><\/p>    <h2 id=\"1-2-not-winterizing-your-irrigation-system-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"2-not-winterizing-your-irrigation-system\"><span id=\"mistake-2-not-winterizing-your-irrigation-system\">2: Not winterizing your irrigation system<\/span><\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"532\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/winterize-sprinkler-1.jpeg\" alt=\"Winterizing an irrigation sprinkler system\" class=\"wp-image-28052\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/winterize-sprinkler-1.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/winterize-sprinkler-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/winterize-sprinkler-1-768x511.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/winterize-sprinkler-1-610x406.jpeg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Winterize your sprinkler system to avoid system damage. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/jo\/images\/winterizing-a-irrigation-sprinkler-system-by-blowing-pressurized-air-through-to-clear-out-water\/463514330\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lost_in_the_Midwest<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock Free \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/jo\/license-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Problem:<\/strong> Water left in your sprinkler lines freezes, expands, and cracks pipes, valves, and the backflow preventer.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Solution:<\/strong> Winterize your sprinklers before temperatures consistently drop below freezing and before the first hard freeze. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The steps are:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Shut off the water<\/li>    <li>Turn off the watering programs<\/li>    <li>Drain the water<\/li>    <li>Insulate above-ground components<\/li>    <li>Turn off the controller<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/winterize-sprinkler-system\">How to Winterize Your Sprinkler System<\/a><\/p>    <h2 id=\"2-3-walking-on-frozen-or-snow-covered-grass-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"3-walking-on-frozen-or-snow-covered-grass\"><span id=\"mistake-3-walking-on-frozen-or-snow-covered-grass\">3: Walking on frozen or snow-covered grass<\/span><\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Problem:<\/strong> When turf is frozen, ice crystals form inside the grass blades. Amundsen cautions that stepping on frozen grass can injure the plant, leading to gray, black, or dead patches come spring.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Waterlogged turf is just as vulnerable, since foot traffic compacts soggy soil.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Solution:<\/strong> Limit foot traffic when growth slows in late fall and throughout winter. Create designated pathways if you cross your yard regularly.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-protect-lawn-from-winter-damage\/\">How to Protect Your Lawn From Winter Damage<\/a><\/p>    <h2 id=\"3-4-ignoring-thatch-and-moss-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"4-ignoring-thatch-and-moss\"><span id=\"mistake-4-ignoring-thatch-and-moss\">4: Ignoring thatch and moss<\/span><\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/thatch-illustration.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration of lawn thatch layer\" class=\"wp-image-45317\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/thatch-illustration.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/thatch-illustration-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/thatch-illustration-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/thatch-illustration-610x305.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Problem:<\/strong> A thatch layer thicker than \u00bd inch blocks sunlight, water, nutrients, and oxygen from reaching grass roots, creating a weak lawn vulnerable to disease.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Neglected, patchy lawns become prime territory for moss takeover.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIf you leave a heavy layer of dead grass and wet leaves sitting there all winter, it can hold moisture and cause problems for the grass underneath,\u201d says Mike Marlow, co-founder of Heroes Lawn Care in Omaha, Nebraska.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The University of Nebraska&#8217;s Amundsen warns against aggressive practices like dethatching too late in fall, as these can stress the grass and expose vulnerable roots.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Solution:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Dethatch in early fall while grass is actively growing, no later than 3-4 weeks before the first frost<\/li>    <li>Aerate to relieve soil compaction and reduce thatch<\/li>    <li>Test and amend soil pH (moss prefers acidic conditions)<\/li>    <li>Fix low spots and poor drainage where water sits after rain<\/li>    <li>Reduce shade where possible<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-moss-in-your-lawn\/\">How to Get Rid of Moss in Your Lawn<\/a><\/p>    <h2 id=\"4-5-not-removing-leaves-and-debris-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"5-not-removing-leaves-and-debris\"><span id=\"mistake-5-not-removing-leaves-and-debris\">5: Not removing leaves and debris<\/span><\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/leaf-rake.jpeg\" alt=\"A black plastic leaf rake lies next to a large pile of colorful autumn leaves on a green lawn, capturing the essence of seasonal yard cleanup.\" class=\"wp-image-41875\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/leaf-rake.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/leaf-rake-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/leaf-rake-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/leaf-rake-610x406.jpeg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Remove leaves regularly from your lawn in fall. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/fall-leaves-with-rake\/46805286\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Elenathewise<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Problem:<\/strong> \u201cLeaves damage the lawn primarily by light exclusion, preventing photosynthetic activity and grass growth,\u201d cautions Professor Al Turgeon of Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. Leaves also hold moisture, causing fungal and other diseases.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Solution:<\/strong> Blow, sweep, or rake leaves regularly. Shred them with a mulching mower and let them decompose on your lawn, or use them as compost or mulch.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-way-to-remove-leaves-from-your-yard\/\">The Best Way to Remove Leaves From Your\u200b Yard<\/a><\/p>    <h2 id=\"5-6-mis-timing-the-last-mow-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"6-mis-timing-the-last-mow\"><span id=\"mistake-6-mis-timing-the-last-mow\">6: Mis-timing the last mow<\/span><\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Problem:<\/strong> Tall grass mats under snow and invites fungi and pests, but scalping strips the insulation that protects the crown.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Solution:<\/strong> Keep mowing until growth stops, follow the one-third rule so you never remove more than a third of the blade at once, and set the final cut \u00bd inch below your usual height.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFor the last mow, I would keep the grass around 2-2.5 inches,\u201d says Micah Burgess, general manager at Heroes Lawn Care. When you stop depends on what you grow:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Lawn type<\/th><th>Common grasses<\/th><th>When to stop mowing<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Cool-season grass<\/td><td>Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, ryegrass<\/td><td>After growth stops, usually following the first hard frost<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Warm-season grass<\/td><td>Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass<\/td><td>When the lawn browns and goes fully dormant<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Transition zone grasses<\/td><td>Can be either cool-season or warm-season grasses<\/td><td>Follow whichever grass is still actively growing<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/last-mow-of-the-season\/\">The Last Mow of the Season: How Short to Cut Your Grass<\/a><\/p>    <h2 id=\"6-7-mowing-in-the-same-pattern-repeatedly-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"7-mowing-in-the-same-pattern-repeatedly\"><span id=\"mistake-7-mowing-in-the-same-pattern-repeatedly\">7: Mowing in the same pattern repeatedly<\/span><\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_mowing-patterns.png\" alt=\"Illustration of lawn mowing patterns\" class=\"wp-image-5991\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_mowing-patterns.png 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_mowing-patterns-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_mowing-patterns-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_mowing-patterns-610x343.png 610w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_mowing-patterns-390x219.png 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Problem:<\/strong> Amundsen cautions that repeatedly mowing in the same direction causes wear and compaction from wheel tracks, making grass weaker and more susceptible to winter injury.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Unchanging patterns also cause:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Grass that grows bent in one direction<\/li>    <li>Rutted wheel tracks that hold water<\/li>    <li>Poor drainage that invites snow mold<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Solution:<\/strong> Alternate your mowing pattern by 45 to 90 degrees each time you mow, especially before winter. It&#8217;s standard practice among lawn care pros.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI absolutely do change patterns every week,\u201d says Lawn Love pro Chelsea Morris, owner of High-Class Grass in Virginia Beach, Virginia, who adds that it also gives the lawn a cleaner cut.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/why-mowing-pattern-matters-before-dormancy\/\">Why Your Mowing Pattern Matters Before Grass Goes Dormant<\/a><\/p>    <h2 id=\"7-8-using-winter-fertilizer-incorrectly-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"8-using-winter-fertilizer-incorrectly\"><span id=\"mistake-8-using-winter-fertilizer-incorrectly\">8: Using winter fertilizer incorrectly<\/span><\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Problem:<\/strong> Professor Amundsen stresses the importance of fertilizing in late summer to early fall when grass can use the nutrients. \u201cFertilizing too late (after active growth has slowed) results in poor uptake and potential nutrient loss,\u201d he says. Late fertilization may also cause runoff.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meanwhile, improper nitrogen levels invite fungal infection.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Solution:<\/strong> Apply winter fertilizer a few weeks before the first frost, and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-soil-test-your-lawn\/\">test your soil<\/a> first.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you miss the window, wait until spring, when temperatures are consistently above 55 degrees.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What to apply, by lawn type:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Cool-season lawns:<\/strong> Use a slow-release nitrogen blend with potassium for cold tolerance, roughly a 1-0-1 ratio on the bag, such as 21-0-20.<\/li>    <li><strong>Warm-season lawns:<\/strong> Skip the late feeding, since dormant grass can&#8217;t use it.<\/li>    <li><strong>Transition zone lawns:<\/strong> Feed only if your cool-season grass is still actively growing.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/when-apply-winter-fertilizer\/\">When Should You Apply Winter Fertilizer?<\/a><\/p>    <h2 id=\"8-9-using-weed-killers-when-it%E2%80%99s-freezing-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"9-using-weed-killers-when-its-freezing\"><span id=\"mistake-9-using-weed-killers-when-its-freezing\">9: Using weed killers when it\u2019s freezing<\/span><\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Problem:<\/strong> Weeds aren\u2019t actively growing during cold winter months, so they won\u2019t properly absorb herbicide. You\u2019ll waste time and money while potentially damaging your grass.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Solution:<\/strong> Remove weeds manually or with herbicide in fall or spring when they\u2019re actively growing. For pre-emergent herbicide, apply in fall when soil temperatures drop below 55 degrees, but don\u2019t wait too long, or weeds may already be germinating.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\/\">When to Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicides<\/a><\/p>    <h2 id=\"9-10-failing-to-prevent-snow-mold-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"10-failing-to-prevent-snow-mold\"><span id=\"mistake-10-failing-to-prevent-snow-mold\">10: Failing to prevent snow mold<\/span><\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Snow-mold.jpg\" alt=\"Thin white fungal webbing spread across damp patchy grass creating a matted textured layer over mixed green and brown lawn areas.\" class=\"wp-image-43171\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Snow-mold.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Snow-mold-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Snow-mold-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Snow-mold-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Avoid compacting snow on your lawn to prevent snow mold. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/gray-snow-mold-on-lawn-in-the-spring\/417428154\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ronstik<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Problem:<\/strong> Snow mold is a fungal disease that creates matted, circular patches of discolored grass, often hidden under snow.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cGray snow mold requires prolonged snow cover to develop and primarily damages leaf blades,\u201d Amundsen says.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cPink snow mold does not require snow cover and is considered more aggressive. \u2026 It can damage the crowns, killing turf.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Solution:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Overseed with snow mold-resistant grass varieties<\/li>    <li>Apply preventative fungicide in fall for pink snow mold<\/li>    <li>Remove snowdrifts that pile up on your lawn<\/li>    <li>Avoid compacting snow with skis, snowmobiles, or foot traffic<\/li>    <li>Install snow fences if needed to prevent snow accumulation<\/li>    <li>Follow the prevention recommendations in Steps 4 through 8<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-gray-snow-mold\">What is Gray Snow Mold and How to Get Rid of It<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-pink-snow-mold\/\">What is Pink Snow Mold and How to Get Rid of It<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"10-11-using-salt-or-chemical-deicers-carelessly-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"11-using-salt-or-chemical-deicers-carelessly\"><span id=\"mistake-11-using-salt-or-chemical-deicers-carelessly\">11: Using salt or chemical deicers carelessly<\/span><\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Problem:<\/strong> U.S. crews spread more than <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.psu.edu\/environmental-hazards-of-road-salt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">20 million tons<\/a> of road salt each winter, and the spray that lands on turf dehydrates roots and blocks water absorption. The damage often doesn&#8217;t appear until spring, as brown, crusty strips along driveways and walks.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Solution:<\/strong> Keep salt and deicers away from turf whenever possible. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How to do this:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Apply sparingly and as far from grass as practical<\/li>    <li>Sow salt-tolerant fine fescues along driveways and walks<\/li>    <li>Install artificial turf in high-traffic zones that always need deicing<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-repair-salt-damage-on-your-lawn\/\">How to Repair Salt Damage on Your Lawn<\/a><\/p>    <h2 id=\"11-faqs-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"faqs\"><span id=\"faq\">FAQs<\/span><\/span><\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-0\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I overseed bare patches during winter?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Not with standard overseeding, since seed won&#8217;t germinate in cold soil. Instead, try <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-dormant-seeding\/\">dormant seeding:<\/a> Spread seed in late fall after the soil drops below 50 degrees so it sits inactive until spring. <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/difference-between-frost-seeding-dormant-seeding\/\">Frost seeding<\/a> works in late winter, where repeated freezing and thawing opens cracks that pull seed into contact with the soil. Both sprout on their own once the ground warms.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Should I aerate my lawn in winter?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No. Winter grass is too weak to recover from the stress of core aeration, and pulling plugs exposes roots to cold, drying wind that can kill them outright. Frozen or saturated soil also tears rather than cores cleanly, leaving a rough surface. Wait until the grass is actively growing in spring or fall.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-2\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How often should I check my lawn during winter?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Walk your yard every two to three weeks during winter. Clear fallen branches and debris, and look for matted patches, standing water, or the narrow surface runways voles leave under snow. Catching these problems early gives you time to rake matted areas loose or improve drainage before spring growth begins.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 id=\"12-let-lawn-love-handle-winter-prep-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"let-lawn-love-handle-winter-prep\"><span id=\"spring-is-coming-is-your-lawn-ready\">Let Lawn Love handle winter prep<\/span><\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Winter mistakes stay hidden until spring, when they show up as bare patches that force you to <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-repair-winter-damage-to-lawn\/\">repair winter lawn damage<\/a>. Lawn Love&#8217;s local pros handle the cold-weather checklist, from leaf raking to fertilizing, with our <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnlove.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=fertilization\">lawn treatment service<\/a>. Get a free estimate and let someone else watch the forecast.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image: Close-up of green grass covered in patches of. Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/grass-under-snow\/19498064\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Zhanna Prokopeva<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Most winter lawn care mistakes come down to bad timing, not the cold. Here are the 11 that cause the most damage, plus the fix and timing for each.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":95,"featured_media":43237,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[126],"tags":[226],"class_list":["post-43219","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lawn-care-tips","tag-lawn-care-tips"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/winter-lawn.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Judith van der Weij","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/judith-gallova\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43219","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/95"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=43219"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43219\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":51349,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43219\/revisions\/51349"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/43237"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43219"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=43219"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=43219"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}