Winter can be tough on lawns in the Upper Midwest. Snow, ice, pests, and winter activity all create stress that often shows up once the snow melts. While winter damage is common, much of it can be prevented with the right preparation and awareness. In Minnesota and Wisconsin, winter lawn damage typically comes from pests, disease, mechanical damage, chemical exposure, and weather conditions. Understanding each risk is the first step toward protecting your lawn.
Preventing Winter Damage from Pests
Voles are the most common winter pest affecting lawns in the Midwest. They move into turf under snow cover where they are protected from predators. During winter, they feed on grass plants and create surface runways and nesting areas. In spring, this appears as brown tracks and dead patches.
Ways to reduce vole damage
- Cut down native areas and tall vegetation near the lawn in fall to reduce habitat
- Remove leaves and debris before snowfall
- Apply vole repellents to discourage feeding
- Use rodent bait stations in high risk areas when appropriate
These steps make your lawn less attractive to voles during winter.
Preventing Snow Mold Lawn Disease
Snow mold is the most common winter lawn disease in Minnesota and Wisconsin. It thrives in cool, moist conditions under snow cover. Long lasting snow and heavy snowfall increase risk. Snow mold infects grass blades, causing matted, brown areas in early spring.
The most effective prevention is a fall preventative fungicide application before snow arrives. This protects grass blades through winter and stops disease development.
Preventing Mechanical Winter Damage to the Lawn
Mechanical damage happens when snow plows, snow blowers, or shovels contact turf and pull up grass plants. This is common during early snowfalls when soil is still soft, and later in winter when snow piles have nowhere else to go.
Ways to prevent mechanical damage
- Use driveway and sidewalk stakes to clearly mark lawn edges
- Take extra care near curbs, corners, and tight spaces
- Avoid repeatedly piling snow in the same lawn areas
Preventing Chemical Winter Damage from Ice Melt
Ice melt products are a frequent cause of winter lawn damage. Many contain salts that increase soil salinity. High salt levels interfere with nutrient uptake and create imbalances that weaken grass plants.
Lawn and pet safer ice melt options include
- Calcium magnesium acetate
- Magnesium chloride
- Potassium chloride
Avoid sodium chloride, commonly known as rock salt. It is the most damaging to turf and soil and is also harsher on pets. Even safer ice melts should be used sparingly and kept off lawn edges whenever possible.
Weather Related Winter Damage to the Lawn
Weather plays a major role in winter lawn stress. Rain or melting snow can refreeze and form ice layers. Ice can crush grass blades and, in some cases, suffocate turf by limiting gas exchange. While this is rare in most home lawns, low areas are more at risk. If thick ice layers form, carefully breaking them up can help reduce damage.
Lack of snow can also be harmful. Snow acts as insulation for grass. During winters with little snow, lawns can dry out from cold winds and lack of precipitation. This type of winter desiccation is difficult to manage in home lawns. Professionals may use protective covers and apply water during warmer periods to reduce drying stress.
Final Thoughts
Winter lawn damage can come from many sources, but most are preventable. By managing pests, preventing disease, using safer ice melts, reducing mechanical risks, and understanding how weather affects turf, you can protect your lawn through winter. A little preparation before snow arrives goes a long way toward a healthier, greener lawn in spring. And when spring comes, sometimes a little tender loving care is needed to get your lawn in top shape.
At bioLawn, we take a proactive, environmentally responsible approach to lawn care that is designed for Minnesota and Wisconsin winters. From fall disease prevention to winter pest protection, our programs are built to reduce damage and help your lawn recover faster in spring. If you want expert guidance and a customized plan for your lawn, request a free quote today and see the bioLawn difference.