Long-term snow can damage lawns

Snow is a pretty change for about the first week we have it, then I think we all start to get tired of it -- and some may be ready for it to be gone the first day! The amount of time you spend outside and your line of work has a lot to do with our tolerance of the white stuff we have seen quite a bit of this winter.

In addition to the road conditions and mud levels, long term snow can also cause damage to our lawns. The Kansas State Research and Extension Horticulture newsletter talked about a couple issues we may see when the snow finally melts away for good.

Voles, also known as orchard mice or short-tailed meadow mice, look like a stout, short-tailed version of a house mouse. They usually are not very noticeable in our landscapes unless we have a significant amount of snow cover. Then they begin to construct meandering pathways through lawn areas which become apparent once the snow melts.

Though voles can cause significant damage, they often are more of a nuisance in for us. Most years we don't even notice they are around. Predators such as owls, coyotes, hawks, bobcats and house cats help keep them under control. They may be attracted to bird feeders as they can feed on seed that falls to the ground.

Vole damage is most severe when snow cover protects the rodents from predators and they become less selective in what they choose to eat. They may then cause more than usual damage to the bark of trees and shrubs which becomes a problem when they eat all the bark in a circle around the trunk or stem which causes the plant to due because of girdling.

Prolonged snow cover can also lead to some snow mold development. Snow molds tend to occur where there is a long time-period of snow cover, especially where turf is matted down and when the turf was very lush at the time of the initial snow.

If you see this in your lawn the best approach is to rake through the area to loosen up the matting and promote drying. Next year, make sure to mow the area into the fall to prevent the dense matting that predisposes a site to snow molds.

Phil saw his shadow so as they say it looks like we've got a few more weeks of winter ahead of us so I'm sure there is more snow to come our way. Wither you enjoy the fluffy white flakes or not, we still need to remain safe on the roads and while we're out and about.

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Editor's Note: Delta George is a K-State Research and Extension agriculture and 4-H extension agent assigned to Bourbon County. She may be reached at (620) 223-3720.