Snow Mold, Salt Burn & Turf Recovery: Preparing Your Commercial Property for Spring
Winter can be tough on commercial landscapes, and the damage isn’t always obvious at first glance. As snow melts and temperatures begin to rise, many property managers discover turf issues that developed quietly over the winter months.
Understanding common winter-related turf damage and addressing it early can make the difference between a healthy spring lawn and costly repairs later.
Snow Mold: A Hidden Winter Threat
Snow mold is a fungal disease that develops under prolonged snow cover, especially when snow falls on unfrozen ground. Once the snow melts, it often appears as:
Circular gray or pink patches in turf
Matted grass blades
Slow or uneven green-up in spring
Commercial properties with shaded areas, poor drainage, or heavy snow accumulation are especially susceptible.
Early spring recovery steps include:
Light raking to improve airflow
Debris removal
Targeted fertilization to promote regrowth
Left untreated, snow mold can weaken turf and invite weeds.
Salt Burn: Collateral Damage from Winter Safety
De-icing materials are essential for pedestrian and vehicle safety, but they often cause unintended damage to nearby turf and plant beds.
Salt burn typically shows up as:
Brown or scorched turf edges along sidewalks and parking lots
Delayed green-up near hardscapes
Soil compaction and nutrient imbalance
High-traffic commercial sites are especially vulnerable due to repeated salt applications.
Mitigation strategies include:
Early soil flushing (when conditions allow)
Soil amendments to restore balance
Repairing damaged turf areas before weeds establish
Compacted Soil and Dormant Stress
Snow piles, plowing equipment, and foot traffic can compact soil over the winter, limiting oxygen and water movement once growth resumes. Compacted turf struggles to recover quickly and is more prone to thinning.
Spring aeration planning is key to:
Relieving compaction
Improving root development
Supporting healthy turf density
Why Early Planning Matters
Waiting until spring to address winter turf damage can delay recovery and increase costs. Winter is an ideal time to:
Schedule spring turf evaluations
Plan remediation treatments
Coordinate early-season services like aeration, fertilization, and overseeding
Early action helps ensure turf rebounds quickly and maintains a professional appearance throughout the growing season.
Set Your Landscape Up for Success
Snow mold, salt burn, and soil compaction don’t have to define your spring landscape. With proactive planning and early intervention, commercial properties can recover faster, look better, and avoid unnecessary turf replacement.
Preparing now ensures your landscape is ready to perform when spring arrives.