Winter kill is actually a variety of negative lawn conditions, all caused by harsh winter weather conditions.
Winter kill can refer to any severe damage suffered by the grass during the winter months. It goes beyond just heavy snow (though that is one of the conditions).
So let’s start with snow. A heavy cover of snow over an extended period of time can create warm conditions near soil surfaces. These areas are likely to remain insulated because of all the snow. If so, the conditions are ripe for snow mold. You’ll notice the snow mold in the spring when you see gray circular patches on the lawn when the snow eventually melts. If this does happen, you can apply a fungicide next fall to try and ward off the snow mold.
Then there’s crown hydration. These can happen when snow melts then re-freezes, causing an overabundance of liquid in a contained area.
These are some of the reasons why it’s a good idea to de-thatch your lawn in early spring. It’s also a good idea to aerate the lawn, to loosen up frozen turf. This will also help when you are using your lawn sprinkler system and timer for the first time in the spring.
Never forget what a key role proper hydration plays in a healthy lawn. Check out Sprinkler System Store for all your lawn sprinkler system needs.