Long, Cold Winter Affecting Texas Lawns

Dallas, Texas (March 1, 2010)–Texas’ exceptionally tough winter is nearly over, but its effects on grass are likely to linger through the spring, said an expert with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

Home lawns, golf courses, athletic fields and other grassy areas could suffer from the effects of the 2009-10 winter season, said Dr. Jim McAfee, AgriLife Extension turfgrass specialist in Dallas. McAfee is also an associate professor in the department of soil and crop sciences at Texas A&M University.

“While children and adults seemed to have enjoyed record snowfall in some areas, the long, cold winter could have a major impact on grasses, particularly warm-season grasses,” McAfee said.

Grasses already weakened by poor management, diseases and insects were particularly susceptible to damage caused by cold weather, especially in areas where temperatures dropped into the teens a number of times, he said.

Some property owners can expect to see patches of dead grass as spring unfolds, he said. In late winter and early spring, what should be tan, dormant grass might instead be dead, gray patches of lawn.

“It’s too early to determine how much, if any, damage has been done to a lawn,” McAfee said. “But we’re interested in getting the word out early so people are made aware of potential problems.”

McAfee said professionals in the lawn care industry have been wary after this year’s rough winter. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, for example, they cited low temperatures and the region’s record snow fall in mid-February as measured officially at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

“That could be bad news for grasses,” McAfee said.

All warm-weather grasses are vulnerable, including Bermuda, buffalo, centipede, St. Augustine and zoysia, he said. However, the most susceptible are St. Augustine and centipede.

“Winter kills are generally worse during extreme weather either early or late in the season,” McAfee said. “Very cold weather can damage a lawn going into dormancy late fall and early winter, or when it is attempting to emerge late winter or early spring.”

There are other factors that affect lawns besides the cold, he said, such as lawns that don’t get enough water or have areas prone to flooding. Too much shade also could be a problem, and newly planted lawns are vulnerable as they haven’t had enough time to adequately establish their roots.

Lawns in central, southern and western Texas will be especially sensitive as they have been weakened already by severe drought, McAfee said.

“But the best thing people can do is be patient,” McAfee said.

If there are dead patches in a lawn, they will be obvious after the lawn turns green, he said. But property owners shouldn’t act hastily. Give the lawn some time because healthy grass can grow and fill in dead areas.

If a problem persists, however, contact a lawn care professional for help, McAfee said. Professionals can identify winter kills or other problems that affect lawns and determine the best solutions.

More information about caring for lawns, athletic fields and golf courses can be found at: aggieturf.tamu.edu.

Contact:

Dr. Jim McAfee
972-231-5362
JMcAfee@ag.tamu.edu