Nearly every spring lawn problem in the GTA is one of three things, and they are easy to tell apart once you look closely.
Snow mold
Matted grey or pink circular patches, usually where snow piled deepest. Rake to break the mat and let air in; most turf recovers on its own.
Salt burn
A continuous brown band along the driveway or walk, worst where meltwater drains. Flush heavily once the ground thaws, apply gypsum, then topdress and overseed — in that order.
Plow damage
Gouged turf and soil pushed into ridges, in patches rather than bands. Pull material back, level, topdress and seed or sod the scar.
Do not reseed too early
Seed into cold, salty or waterlogged soil dies exactly like the grass that was there. Wait for soil to warm and drain.
Read next
Spring checklist for a GTA property
Eleven things to do between the thaw and the first cut, in the order that matters.
ReadFall checklist: what to do before the ground freezes
Nine jobs in October and November that are cheap now and expensive in May.
ReadHow winter damages hardscape, and how to prevent it
Plow shoes, salt, snow piles and the spring repair bill nobody budgets for.
ReadFree estimate
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