When the cold winds of winter blow through your neighborhood, it might seem like your lawn and garden are taking a much-needed break.
But winter brings a hidden world of challenges for your outdoor spaces. While you’re bundled up inside, pests and diseases can quietly cause damage beneath the surface of your lawn.
The good news? With some awareness and preparation, you can protect your yard and ensure it thrives come springtime.
I’ll walk you through some of the most common winter pests and lawn diseases to look out for and share tips on preventing them from wreaking havoc on your green garden.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, these insights will help you keep your lawn healthy and pest-free through the chilly months.
Winter pests are tricky—they don’t take a break because it’s cold outside.
Some pests thrive during the colder months. They may seem dormant or harmless, but given the chance, they can cause significant damage to your grass, plants, and trees.
Let’s look at the most common winter pests you might encounter.
Grubs are the larvae of various types of beetles, and while they are more active in the warmer months, they tend to burrow deeper into the soil during winter to avoid the freezing temperatures.
But here’s the thing—while underground, they’re still feeding on the roots of your grass and plants, weakening them over time.
If left unchecked, these pests can cause your lawn to die off in patches come spring.
You should apply a preventive treatment in late summer or early fall before grubs burrow too deep to prevent them from damaging your lawn.
If you didn’t get to it in time, consider getting a soil test done in early spring to check for grub damage.
Mice and voles love to dig little tunnels through your yard in search of shelter, food, and warmth.
In the winter, they often make their homes under snow, leaf piles, or areas with thick grass cover. These rodents can munch on your grass and even chew through the bark of young trees or shrubs, causing long-term damage.
While a bit harder to spot during the winter, you may notice their presence by the small holes or tunnels they leave behind in your yard.
If you’re dealing with rodents, you should trap them in early winter or deter them using natural repellents like peppermint oil or keeping your yard tidy and debris-free.
Like pests, winter lawn diseases are active even when cold outside. Understanding how these diseases spread and recognizing the signs can help prevent your lawn from becoming a casualty of winter weather.
Snow mold is one of the most common lawn diseases that can rear its ugly head in winter, especially after a heavy snowfall.
There are two types: gray snow mold and pink snow mold. Both forms are caused by fungal growths that thrive in snow-covered areas. The fungus attacks the grass, causing it to rot, and can leave behind unsightly patches of dead or matted grass.
You’ll typically notice snow mold when the snow melts, revealing patches of yellow or brown grass infected.
The good news is that snow mold is often treatable with a fungicide if caught early.
However, preventing it is the best approach. To do this, keep your lawn mowed to the correct height (not too short), rake up fallen leaves before winter, and avoid over-watering late in the fall.
Fusarium blight is another winter lawn disease caused by a fungus that thrives in cold, wet conditions. This disease often affects lawns in areas with poor drainage or over-watered before the freeze. It can cause a yellowish-brown discoloration of the grass, and as the disease spreads, it weakens the turf.
Ensure your lawn has proper drainage and is not over-watered in winter. This will help to prevent fusarium blight.
Aerating your lawn in the fall can also help improve drainage and reduce the likelihood of disease outbreaks.
So, how do you protect your lawn from winter pests and diseases?
It all comes down to prevention, observation, and care.
We created an article with general winter lawn care tips, which you can follow.
But here are some steps you can take to prevent pests and diseases during the freezing winter:
The best way to fight winter pests and diseases is to be proactive in the fall.
Clean up leaves, mow your lawn to the correct height, and remove any dead plant material that could provide shelter for pests.
Aerating the lawn will help water and nutrients penetrate the soil and improve drainage, reducing disease risk.
A balanced fertilizer application in late fall will help your grass store energy for the winter.
However, be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can encourage pest growth and make your lawn vulnerable to disease.
If you know of a pest problem, apply a preventative treatment in late summer or early fall.
This gives your lawn the best chance to fight off grubs and other pests before they get too cozy beneath the surface.
If you notice any strange patches or unusual growth in your yard once the snow melts, inspect your lawn for signs of snow mold or other fungal diseases. Catching problems can save your lawn from more severe damage.
Overwatering your lawn in late fall or early winter can create the perfect environment for fungal growth. Ensure your lawn is well-drained and doesn’t stay too wet during the colder months.
It’s easy to overlook the health of your lawn during winter when you’re focused on keeping warm inside, but taking some simple preventative steps now can set you up for a healthy, vibrant lawn when the weather warms up again.
Addressing the common pests and diseases that can sneak into your yard during the winter gives your lawn a better chance to thrive in the spring.
Remember, a little care goes a long way. Whether removing fallen leaves, checking for pests, or giving your lawn the nutrients it needs, your proactive efforts today can lead to lush, green grass in the months ahead.
Keep an eye on your yard this winter, and contact us if you need help with pest control, disease prevention, or anything else related to landscaping.
