Many longtime New Englanders never imagined we’d see the legendary Blizzard of ’78 rivaled — let alone surpassed. But after the Blizzard of ’26 tore through the region this week, dropping more than three feet of snow in many areas, we officially have a new winter storm record to beat.

With towering plow piles, buried shrubs, and lawns hidden under heavy snowpack, homeowners are now asking the big question:

What does this historic snowfall mean for my lawn and landscape this spring?

In this special Blizzard Edition of Healthy Lawns, Dr. Jim Wilkinson addresses the most common concerns.

When Will Lawn Care Services Begin?

Because of the depth and duration of snow cover, SeaScape’s lawn care services will begin later than usual this season.

Starting treatments before the ground fully thaws and dries can damage turf and compact soil. As temperatures rise and the sun angle increases, snow will melt more quickly. Once conditions are suitable, our technicians will begin spring treatments.

A delayed start does not mean long-term lawn damage — it simply means waiting for proper soil conditions.

Assessing Plow Damage After Heavy Snow

With three feet of snowfall, plow damage is common along driveways, sidewalks, and road edges.

Snowplows can:

• Tear up turf along pavement edges

• Compact soil beneath snow piles

• Deposit sand and debris onto lawn areas

If you notice torn grass along pavement lines, this is typical after record snowfall and can be corrected. When the snow melts, damaged areas can often be fixed by rolling the sod back and tamping it down. However, in some cases, reseeding the damaged area may be necessary.

Snow Mold After a Blizzard: What It Looks Like and What to Do

One of the most common lawn concerns after prolonged snow cover is snow mold.

Signs of Snow Mold

• Yellow, gray, or pink circular patches

• Matted or slimy grass

• Areas that appear dead after snow melt

While snow mold can look severe, it is usually superficial.

How to Treat Snow Mold

• Allow the lawn to dry

• Lightly rake affected areas to improve air circulation

• Resume regular lawn care treatments

Most established lawns recover fully once temperatures rise and growth resumes.

Will Snow Melt Cause Lawn Flooding or Ponding?

With significant snow accumulation, temporary ponding is possible during rapid melt periods.

In most cases:

• Standing water is short-term

• Established turfgrass tolerates brief saturation

• Lawns recover once drainage occurs

If water remains for extended periods, drainage improvements may be recommended later in the season.

Should You Remove Snow from Shrubs and Trees?

Heavy snow can weigh down ornamental shrubs and small trees. However, removing snow manually can cause more harm than good.

Avoid:

• Shaking frozen branches

• Brushing off snow with force

• Attempting to break ice accumulation

Instead, allow snow to melt naturally. After thawing, damaged or broken branches can be pruned to encourage healthy regrowth.

Is Your Lawn at Risk After the Blizzard of ’26?

Although this storm set records, New England lawns are resilient. Turfgrass in our region is adapted to cold winters and snow cover.

The most important steps are:

• Allow natural melting

• Avoid premature lawn traffic

• Address damage once soil conditions improve

Spring may arrive later than usual, but your lawn and landscape can recover successfully with proper care.

Schedule a Spring Lawn Assessment

If you have concerns about plow damage, snow mold, or drainage after this historic winter storm, a professional lawn evaluation can help ensure a strong start to the season. To request a FREE ESTIMATE, fill out the contact form below or call us at 1-800-294-LAWN.

The Blizzard of ’26 may have surpassed the Blizzard of ’78 in snowfall totals — but with the right plan, your lawn can bounce back just as strong.