Protect your Florida Lawn from Frost Damage

You might think that your grass is safe during winter, now that the sun is less likely to dehydrate it, but this is far from the truth. Even in a warm state like Florida, frost damage is still prevalent and can destroy your yard when you least expect it. Frost can form even when temperatures are a few degrees above freezing, and although it isn’t harmful to grass on its own, walking on this frosted grass is what causes the damage. 

What Should I Do If I See Lawn Damage?

If you’ve never seen frost damage before, it’s possible to confuse it with old sun damage that you overlooked. Take a moment to examine the state of your grass. 

Check the Appearance: 

When grass has been affected by frost, it may turn brown and appear “burnt.” This marking starts at the top of each leaf blade and makes its way down the strand depending on the severity. Depending on where the lawn has been stepped on, this pattern may be in uniform lines or odd patterns. This damaged grass will be low to the ground and may appear like patches of dirt from a distance. 

Let the Grass Grow: 

Unfortunately, once grass has been affected by frost damage, it cannot be instantly recovered. For your lawn to replenish itself, each blade of grass must grow back on its own. Because this damage occurs in the winter, it will likely stay dormant until the temperatures warm up in the spring. To help this process, we offer micro-nutrients to make your lawn green again throughout the winter and help it regrow quickly once the grass is ready. 

How Do I Treat My Grass For Frost Damage? 

Once the grass has been affected by frost damage, it can become rather sensitive. Be sure to follow these steps to ensure your lawn can recover quickly:

• Water Cautiously: Through the winter, be careful not to water your grass too much. This can make it more likely for the frost to harm it further. Consider reaching out to professional lawn care if you’ve seen your frost damage worsen. 
• Spring Mowing: Once the weather has warmed up, mow your lawn to remove any dead leaf blades. A fresh start will allow your grass to grow back strong and healthy, leaving any damage in the past.  

Depending on circumstances such as wind, irrigation, and shade from trees, you may notice that your lawn has more or less frost damage than your neighbors. This can be frustrating if their next-door grass is doing perfectly fine, but be rest assured that your lawn will be able to recover once spring returns. 

Will The Grass Grow Back After Frost?

If the frost damage was not severe, the grass may be able to grow back on its own. Cold temperatures tend to slow down the growth of many plants, but once spring returns the grass should be able to grow again. If the frost was severe or consistent for a long period of time, however, the grass blades could die and be unable to regrow on their own. 

Can You Mow Frosted Grass?

Once the frost has melted, it’s safe and even advised to mow your grass. Be sure to wait until it’s safe though, as mowing frozen grass causes more damage and can harm your lawn.

How To Protect New Grass From Frost

Grass seed can be an excellent way to repair holes in your grass that won’t grow back. To protect this young grass from frost damage, be sure to cover it with a thin layer of straw or hay. Other options include frost cloths and blankets, with extra water for hydration. All of these strategies use insulation to keep the grass warm enough that it won’t be damaged by any frost. 

Should I Water My Lawn During Winter?

Here in Central Florida, we need to worry about moisture levels all year long – not just during the warm seasons. Your lawn goes dormant during cold weather, meaning it has stopped growing. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t need any water at all, though. 

It can be hard to tell if your lawn is getting the right amount of water during winter. Our lawn specialists will monitor your lawn’s moisture levels to help you avoid over- or underwatering. 

Professional Lawn Care Throughout Every Season for Your Florida Property

Despite common belief, routine lawn care isn’t restricted to summertime. If your lawn has been subjected to frost damage, or you suspect that it may be affected in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out. Here at Sorko Services, our expert technicians will ensure your lawn stays healthy and beautiful all year long. 
Contact us now for a free estimate, so your property can become the healthiest it’s ever been.