Worried freezing temps killed your grass?

If you’re worried freezing temps killed your grass, you’re not alone. This winter has been fairly mild with the exception of days before Christmas when the temperatures drastically dropped.

According to UTIA “During the evening and overnight hours from December 22 to 23, 2022 Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville experienced a 40-degree temperature plummet. This rapid drop was accompanied by gusty winds, and a temperature below 15 degrees F was sustained for 32 hours. Shockingly, temperatures didn’t rise above 32 degrees F for more than 80 hours.”

During extremely cold weather (20 degrees or below) or during any temperatures below freezing, ensure your home is protected by following these steps:

1. If applicable, close all foundation vents.

2. Disconnect all hoses from outside connections.

Then run water for a few minutes to be sure pipes leading inside are not still holding water from when the hose was connected. This is the most common cause of bursts in the water line for outside faucets, and often the damage is not discovered until the faucet is used again in the spring. A cover may be placed over the outside faucet to also help avoid freezing and damage to pipes.

3. Leave some water running in faucets.

The faucets farthest away from the water heater or where the faucet is on an exterior wall are the most important. The colder the weather, the more water should flow.

4. Open all cabinet doors beneath sinks, wet bars, etc.

This helps warm air from the room circulate around the pipes. This is very helpful.

5. Minimize walking on frozen grass.

This can lead to short and long term dead spots in the lawn.

So how do you know if your grass died during the freeze?

Once the weather starts to turn, you will realize whether or not your grass was killed from the freeze. Until then, here are 3 ways to find out, according to Greenview Fertilizer:

1. Pay attention to how your lawn is browning.

“If your lawn has these patches or spots, yet all areas are being given the same nutrients, the browning is more likely a result of dead grass that could be caused by disease, damaging insects, pet urine, or a host of wear and tear issues (yes, that includes the brown spot left by your kiddie pool).” — Source Credit

2. Pull a handful of grass from your lawn and rate the resistance.

“If the grass is easily removed from the ground, it is dead; if the grass has some resistance, it is likely in a dormant state.” — Source Credit

3. Water your lawn and see how it responds.

Dormant grass revives when watered. However, if your grass has died, watering it will not help. “You will also see the difference when you start to water or when rain returns as moisture will revive brown grass if it is dormant.” — Source Credit

What can I do to help my grass if freezing temps killed it?

Remember, once the weather starts to turn, you will realize whether or not your grass was killed from the freeze. Until then there are ways to protect your grass:

1. Reduce foot traffic.

2. Only mow as needed.

3. Get your lawn on a care plan.

In February we start the performing the following tasks on all the lawns we care for:

• Liquid pre-emergent to prevent crabgrass and other grassy weeds from germinating.
• Post-emergent spray to control winter weeds in cool weather.
• Fertilization to promote an early green-up and to feed your lawn throughout the spring. This fertilizer is specifically formulated for cool weather.

The Pure Turf Fertilization and Weed Control Program consists of 8 annual treatments that are built around a complete lineup of premium fertilizers, weed control products, biostimulants, and other specialty products. We incorporate both organic-based materials and the latest advancements in turf care technologies. This hybrid approach to turf care builds a healthier lawn for you and your family to enjoy. Get a free estimate today.