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Spring Lawn Care: How to Revive Your Grass After a Harsh Winter

As spring approaches, many Erie homeowners are eager to see their lawns come back to life after months buried under heavy piles of snow. However, if your grass looks less than vibrant—straw-like, gray, or even whitish—you’re not alone. The long winter may have left your lawn in rough shape, but there are steps you can take to bring it back to health.

Why Does My Lawn Look So Bad?

According to Adam Gerlach of Gerlach’s Garden and Flower, the condition of your lawn is likely due to the effects of snow and moisture. Once the snow melts, you may notice brown grass or even patches of snow mold. Snow mold is a type of fungus that thrives in the damp, cold conditions created by prolonged snow cover.

“Yeah, you know, once the snow melts under the piles, you’ll see a lot of brown grass. It could be some snow mold too,” Gerlach explained. “The best thing to do is rake it out and get that healthy air back into it. Air it out, and hopefully, the grass will come back.”

What Is Snow Mold?

Snow mold is a fungal disease that forms in some areas of the lawn during long, snowy winters. The combination of moisture and cold creates the perfect environment for fungus to grow. Gerlach noted, “It’s just from the long winters, the damp coldness from the snow, and the moisture—it’s where fungus loves to live and breathe.”

How to Treat Snow Mold

If you suspect snow mold in your lawn, there’s no need to panic. Gerlach recommends treating the affected areas with a granular or liquid fungicide. This is not something typically included in regular spring fertilizer programs, so you’ll need to purchase it separately.

“You don’t need a whole lot of it,” Gerlach said. “It’s something extra, not usually in your fertilizer programs. Just treat those spots—you don’t have to do your whole lawn, just the spots that are infected.”

What If the Grass Doesn’t Come Back?

If you’re raking up the straw-colored spots and notice that the grass pulls out completely, it’s a sign that the affected areas won’t recover on their own. In this case, you’ll need to over seed your lawn to encourage new grass to grow. Over seeding involves spreading grass seed over the damaged areas to fill in the bare spots with fresh, green growth.

Steps to Revive Your Lawn This Spring

1. Rake the Lawn: Start by raking out the brown or straw-like grass to improve airflow and allow the healthy grass to breathe.
2. Treat Snow Mold: If you notice fuzzy patches or suspect snow mold, apply a granular or liquid fungicide to the affected areas.
3. Over seed if Necessary: If the grass pulls out completely during raking, over seed the bare spots to promote new growth.

With a little effort and the right care, your lawn can bounce back from the harsh winter conditions. By addressing issues like snow mold and reseeding where needed, you’ll be well on your way to a lush, green lawn this spring.