What Is Happening Under the Ground in Winter?

Does Your Midwestern Grass Die in the Winter?

Your lawn is most likely made up of hardy, cold-weather Kentucky Bluegrass or Ryegrass, both of which flourish later in the year. Most Midwesterners will notice their grass losing color as the cold winter temperatures arrive. This simply means the grass is dormant for now, and that will be the case whether or not there is snow on the ground.

Once the roots of your grass are frozen, they will hold onto the nutrients stored in them, but they won’t be sending water up to replenish the grass above. As perennials, grass will usually grow back once again in the spring. It is worth noting that, as our winters become shorter and less severe, the transition periods in and out of dormancy will also be affected. If you’re experiencing problems, common Midwestern varieties are available as sod, and there are also treatments you can try to get better results from your lawn when the time is right.

What Happens to Your Soil Quality in Freezing Temperatures?

As for the ground itself, the chemical makeup of soil isn’t impacted much by seasonal temperatures. This is good to know, since healthy pH levels will be crucial to your plants’ and flowers’ ability to access nutrients they will need to start growing again. When the weather is cold enough, microbial activity – another key component of soil quality – also dies down. Therefore, the answer to the question of what is happening underneath the surface this time of year, is not much.

What Happens to Tree Roots in the Cold?

The same tree roots that transfer water upward in summer are undergoing a different process in winter. As with grass and plants, how the roots react depends in part on the kind of tree. For example, while the water around the roots of your spruce tree may be frozen, the sap contained within those roots and leaves contains a natural anti-freezing component, enabling it to react differently than nearby roots that may wither under the same conditions.

Keep in mind that tree roots can grow a foot or two down into the ground. For a while, they may continue expanding in search of water and nutrients, even if the air is frigid above. However, in these parts they eventually become dormant, as well. If your trees show cracked bark, frost heaving, or other signs of cold damage, have someone take a look and address the problem as soon as possible.

How to Keep Your Lawn Green Longer

There are many reasons lawns in the same area don’t all turn brown and stop growing at the same time. Some people make more use of ways to keep their lawn looking green and healthy longer. For example, nitrogen (urea) in the fall can sometimes help brighten grass and maintain its quality when it regrows in the spring. When your grass stops growing in wintertime, the roots will still maintain their strength and nutrient content, but the fertilizer needs to correspond with your soil’s pH level to be effective.

A landscaper can examine your property and let you know which steps to take, as well as the best time to do them. They might suggest Injecting micronutrients and soil conditioners into your soil on an annual basis to see how that works over time. Discuss with a professional whether to apply lower dosage soil applications throughout the year, or whether a different approach is recommended to help you get more out of your lawn.

Contact an Experienced, High Quality, Full-Service Landscaping Company

Want a full-service landscaper to make sure your soil quality has what it takes to serve your landscaping needs? Reach out to Schmechtig Landscapes and an expert will help you make the most of the winter months so that you are ready to dig in come spring.

Visit Schmechtig Landscapes online or give us a call for a free consultation today.

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