It’s that time of the year again, the dreaded snow removal season. But when you break out the shovel do you ever forget where your driveway ends and your lawn begins? Even though you may be wondering if you will ever see your lawn again, you should still protect it against the harsh winter. That way when spring eventually comes, which can be hard to imagine, you won’t have a dead lawn. Despite the blanket of snow, lawn care is still needed during the winter.
Mark Your Lawn
As you shovel or snow blow away the snowfall, you want to make sure you aren’t hurting your lawn. Putting markers around the edges of your lawn will help you identify where your driveway ends and your lawn begins. This will prevent you from hitting your lawn and digging up soil. When it comes to snow plowing, having reflective markers will help the plow steer clear of your lawn. Plowed snow is heavier than normal snow, so make sure you don’t have any precious plants in harms way. Identifying the area of your lawn will save its edges from snow removal tools.
A Lawn Friendly Alternative
Magnesium chloride is natural mineral is a great alternative to salt when clearing your walkways. It can melt ice at a staggering -15 degrees Fahrenheit. Magnesium chloride is often used in agriculture for plant nutrition. So, the organic substance will not hurt your plants; it will help fertilize them for next year. Other options like salt won’t work in extreme conditions and will harm your concrete by constantly freezing and thawing. Pure magnesium chloride products, like Freezgard, can usually be found at the hardware store or online. If your lawn already has damage from road salt you should use gypsum. This is calcium sulfate that will replenish your soil by increasing air and water movement. Using these salt alternatives will benefit you and your lawn.
Snow is a Good Thing
Snow acts as an insulator for roots and protects your lawn. The blanket of snow also provides water for your lawn throughout the winter and when things start to thaw. It is best to keep an eye on your fragile plants and try to avoid putting extra snow on top of them. Also, try to stay off your lawn if at all possible because packing down the snow will create a harder thaw in spring. You can also seed your lawn in the winter. The birds won’t touch it and when the snow melts it will be ready to be absorbed in your lawn. You should seed your lawn about three times a year depending on your grass type. Using snow to your advantage will give you a head start in the spring.
So remember to take care of your lawn during this winter wonderland. Establishing where your lawn is will help you and the city snow plow steer clear of scraping your lawn. Using magnesium chloride will benefit you and your plants. Lastly, snow is your lawn’s friend because it protects and allows for a fruitful spring. If your lawn or certain plants are constantly struggling after each winter, consider seeding more or talking to a lawn care professional.
