Thanks for the Snow

by Bruce Scott

The last two weeks of February have finally ushered in snow along the Front Range; you remember the white stuff.  While many bemoan the shoveling and icy roads, winter enthusiasts invoke images of powder days on the slopes.  No matter what your perspective is on snow, it is a much needed welcome shot of moisture.

Snow cover on your lawn is very beneficial during the winter months.  Snow not only provides much needed moisture for grass and plants, but also forms a protective insulating shield from damaging cold, dry conditions.  Snow cover can be particularly beneficial on sun exposed, south facing areas.  The absence of snow cover may necessitate winter watering of grass, trees, and shrubs to insure a healthy landscape come spring.

Weakened drought stressed grass is particularly susceptible to damage from mites.  These tiny insects can often be seen in mass numbers in late winter through spring on south facing structures like the side wall of a house.  Treatment for both banks grass and clover mites can be as simple as keeping areas prone to drought stress watered or covered with snow.  Enjoy the white stuff; it does more than cause slippery roads.  Snow is exactly what your lawn needs.