Calgary Lawn Care Tips to Keep Your Grass Healthy All Winter Long

Winter in Calgary can be beautiful, but for your lawn, it’s a tough season. The city’s unpredictable freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snowfalls, and occasional Chinooks create challenges that can leave your yard looking worse for wear by spring.

Luckily, a little planning and care can go a long way in protecting your grass through the cold months. With the help of lawn care services in Calgary from Greener Grass, you can give your lawn the attention it needs to survive winter.

How Calgary’s Winter Weather Affects Lawns

Calgary’s winters are unique, with dramatic temperature swings that can stress your lawn in several ways:

Freeze-Thaw Cycles – Alternating periods of freezing and thawing can cause soil to expand and contract. This can lead to frost heaving, displacing grass roots and making your lawn patchy.
Snow Mold – Prolonged snow coverage creates a damp environment ideal for snow mould, a fungal disease that damages grass blades and can kill sections of your lawn.
Chinook Winds – While the warm winds of a Chinook are a welcome break from freezing temperatures, they can dry out exposed grass and soil, leaving your lawn vulnerable to further damage.

Preparing Your Lawn for Winter

To minimize winter damage and set your lawn up for success in the spring, follow these practical tips:

1. Aerate Before the First Snow

Aerating your lawn in late fall improves drainage and allows air and nutrients to reach the roots. This can help prevent soil compaction caused by heavy snow.

2. Fertilize for Winter Resilience

Applying a winter fertilizer rich in potassium strengthens grass roots, making them more resilient to the cold. Choose a slow-release formula to provide steady nutrition throughout the winter.

3. Mow Low but Not Too Short

In late fall, gradually lower your mower’s cutting height. Leaving your grass around 2 inches tall reduces the risk of snow mould and protects the crown of the grass from cold damage.

4. Rake and Remove Debris

Clear leaves, twigs, and other debris from your lawn. A clean surface helps prevent fungal growth and allows grass to breathe under the snow.

5. Avoid Heavy Traffic

Walking or driving on your lawn during winter can compact the soil and damage the grass. Mark walkways with stakes or rope to guide families and visitors away from sensitive areas.

6. Spread Snow Evenly

If snow piles up unevenly, redistribute it to avoid creating overly damp spots when it melts. This can reduce the risk of snow mould and ensure more even grass growth in spring.

Surviving Winter, Looking Ahead to Spring

Once the snow melts, inspect your lawn for signs of damage, such as yellowing or bare patches. Early intervention with overseeding and proper fertilization can help repair winter damage quickly.

Protecting your lawn during winter takes time and effort, but the results are worth it when spring arrives. If you’re not sure where to start, consider enlisting Calgary lawn care professionals like us at Greener Grass to guide you. With our expertise, we can help you tackle seasonal challenges and keep your yard looking its best year-round.

Get in touch with us today!