Winter Maintenance and Snow Removal Coordination Plan for Warm Season Grass

Signs of Damage from Cold, Frost, and Ice

• Browning or blackened leaf blades (frost burn)
• Thinning turf cover or bare patches
• Ice crusting or matting, which can suffocate grass
• Poor root vigor when spring arrives

Why Winter Maintenance Matters for Warm Season Grass Lawns

1. Protect root systems — Cold, frozen soil can damage roots if the turf is weak.
2. Support spring green-up — Well-fertilized and cared-for roots bounce back faster when the growing season returns.
3. Prevent disease — Standing water, ice, or snow compaction can lead to fungal issues; proper lawn care helps reduce risk.

Role of Winter Lawn Fertilizer in Seasonal Health

Coordinating Snow Removal with Lawn Preservation

How Snow Removal Mistakes Can Damage Warm Season Grass

• Using heavy metal blades or harsh plowing technique can gouge or tear the turf.
• Compacting snow in high-traffic areas (or piling it on grass) increases the risk of ice crusts.
• Leaving snow shoveled into turf zones subjects dormant grass to extended periods of cold, moisture, and pressure damaging crowns and roots.

Best Practices for Protecting Turf Areas from Snow Pile Stress

1. Limit snow piles on lawn areas — only stack snow where grass isn’t underneath, or use temporary barriers.
2. Use light, frequent clearing — instead of letting snow accumulate to dangerous depths, clear early and often.
3. Avoid sharp metal blades on turf — use rubber-edge blades or adjustable snow blowers.
4. Monitor soil after major snow events — when everything melts, check for compaction or damage and aerate if needed.

Step-by-Step Winter Maintenance Plan for Warm Season Grass

Pre-Winter Preparation Checklist (Late Fall / Just Before First Frost)

1. Soil test: Check pH, nutrient levels, and drainage. Correct imbalances to give roots a strong foundation.
2. Final mow: Cut grass to a slightly lower but safe height; remove clippings.
3. Fertilize: Apply a winter lawn fertilizer rich in potassium (for stress resistance) but moderate in nitrogen.
4. Map your yard in the Yarbo app: Set up zones, no-go areas, and define where snow should or should not be piled.
5. Install docking station: Make sure the robot has a clear, accessible docking area with no risk of snow blocking access.
6. Secure snow throwing zones: Mark or flag areas where snow will be thrown by Yarbo, ensuring it avoids turf where possible.

Mid-Winter Monitoring and Maintenance

• Automated snow clearing: Yarbo begins its snow removal routine based on schedule or manual trigger via app.
• Check performance: After each major snowfall, remotely monitor Yarbo’s clearing path (via app) to ensure it's not damaging turf.
• Recharge cycles: Let Yarbo return to dock and recharge — it handles this autonomously.
• Inspect turf: On milder days, shovel a small corner to check if turf is being compressed or iced over.
• Avoid piling snow on grass: Use the robot’s adjustable chute to direct snow to safe areas only.

Transitioning From Winter to Spring Lawn Care

1. Let the snow melt naturally: Avoid mechanically removing leftover snow unless absolutely necessary.
2. Monitor thaw: As soil warms, check for compaction in areas where snow was frequently piled.
3. Aeration: If compaction is detected, consider aerating to help root growth.
4. First feeding: Once soil temperature is safe (usually when grass begins to green), apply a balanced spring fertilizer.
5. Mow first greens: Reinstall the Yarbo Mower Module, map zones if needed, and begin mowing at a higher height to promote root growth.
6. Irrigation: Water lightly if spring is dry to encourage growth without drowning recovering roots.

Best Winter Lawn Fertilizers for Warm Season Grass

Nutrient Priorities Before Dormancy

• Potassium (K): Helps with cold stress resistance and root strength.
• Phosphorus (P): Supports root development.
• Moderate Nitrogen (N): Enough to maintain root vigor, but not so much that it encourages lush, vulnerable growth.