Winter in the Northeast can be tough, especially in places like Massachusetts. While we’re bundling up, shoveling driveways, and enjoying snowy landscapes, our lawns are quietly dealing with snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Unfortunately, a beautiful blanket of snow can sometimes leave behind a lawn that’s patchy, brown, or even dead when spring rolls around.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right winter lawn care habits, you can protect your grass and help it bounce back healthy and strong once the snow melts. In this post, we’ll go over how to handle snow and ice without damaging your lawn.

View of the front of a home with snow on it in winter.

1. Avoid Heavy Traffic on Frozen Grass

Frozen grass might look tough, but it’s actually very fragile. When temperatures drop and your lawn freezes, walking on it can break the blades and even damage the roots beneath. Once the grass is broken or crushed, it may not recover when spring comes.

Try to avoid walking on your lawn during icy or snowy conditions, especially when it’s frozen solid. If possible, use sidewalks or designated walkways and keep pets off grassy areas during deep winter.

2. Shovel Carefully Near the Lawn

When you’re clearing snow from your driveway or sidewalk, it’s easy to throw or pile the snow onto the grass. But that heavy snow pile, especially if it’s mixed with ice or de-icing salt, can do real damage to your lawn.

Instead:

  • Try to pile snow in areas that don’t sit directly on the lawn if you can.
  • Avoid letting snow piles sit in the same spot all season long—too much pressure for too long can kill the grass beneath.
  • Clear walkways early and often to avoid building up too much snow near the edges of your lawn.

A little extra care when shoveling can save you a lot of frustration come spring.

3. Use Lawn-Safe Ice Melts

Salt and other ice-melting chemicals are great for keeping driveways and sidewalks safe, but they can be brutal on grass. When salt-laden snow melts and soaks into your lawn, it can dry out the soil and harm the roots.

Look for pet- and lawn-safe ice melt products. These alternatives are less harsh on your soil and won’t leave behind a salty residue that can cause bare spots. Also, try to use only as much as you need—over-salting can build up over time and damage even hardy lawns.

4. Clear Snow Gently

If you’re removing snow from the lawn itself—maybe after a big storm or to prevent mold—be gentle. Avoid using metal shovels or tools that could rip up the grass underneath. A plastic snow shovel or soft push broom works better and causes less damage.

Don’t try to “scrape” the snow down to the soil. A thin layer of snow actually protects your grass from the harsh wind and cold, so it’s okay to leave some behind.

5. Watch Out for Snow Mold

Snow mold is a type of lawn fungus that shows up in early spring, especially after a long winter where snow has covered the lawn for weeks or months. It leaves behind gray or pinkish patches and can be tricky to get rid of once it sets in.

To help prevent snow mold:

  • Rake up leaves and debris in the fall so your grass can breathe.
  • Don’t over-fertilize late in the season, as too much nitrogen can feed snow mold.

Speaking of lawn nutrients, proper lawn fertilization service earlier in the year plays a big role in how well your lawn withstands winter stress. Feeding your lawn with the right nutrients at the right time (especially in the fall) helps build stronger roots, which can survive freezing temperatures and bounce back quicker after snow melts.

6. Keep an Eye on Drainage

One often overlooked part of winter lawn care is drainage. When snow and ice start to melt, where does the water go? If it pools in low spots or near the foundation of your home, it can drown your grass and cause root rot.

Make sure your lawn is graded properly and that downspouts, gutters, and drains are clear. Direct runoff away from your grass where possible, and don’t let ice dams form at the edge of your lawn.

7. Plan Ahead in the Fall

Great winter lawn care starts months before the snow flies. In the fall, mowing a little shorter, aerating the soil, and feeding your lawn the right nutrients can make a big difference in how well it handles the winter.

A well-prepared lawn is better able to resist snow mold, handle freezing temperatures, and recover quickly in the spring.

Final Thoughts

Winter might feel like a time when lawn care can be paused, but that’s not entirely true. Snow, ice, and cold weather can cause real damage if you’re not careful. The good news? A little awareness and a few smart habits go a long way.

By avoiding heavy traffic, being mindful of where snow piles up, using safe ice melts, and maintaining good overall lawn health—you can protect your grass during the cold months and set yourself up for a green, healthy spring.

Your lawn might be sleeping right now, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need a little help making it through the winter.