Our lack of snow could be having some major effects on your lawn. A lot of lawns have spotty snow cover which leaves your grass exposed to the elements.
Our lengthy Midwest winters make gardeners long for spring.
Holly Erdmann of Moorhead says, "I said to my husband, it smells like spring, so that's why we came it."
Holly Erdmann has a case of spring fever, but once the season actually comes around, she might be spending more time in her yard than she thought. Most of the region is either in a moderate drought or abnormally dry, which causes concern for horticulturists.
Horticulturist, Candi Chisholm, says, "A lot of concern of are plants going to make it through the winter? Are things going to dry out?"
At the sledding hill in Downtown Fargo, you can see the effects of the dry winter. The ground is cracking and the grass is pushed down for the constant traffic.
"This is probably what a lot of lawns are doing right now," says Chisholm.
Shrubs are also a concern right now, because their roots aren't blanketed with snow, and cold temps can damage them. Also, man's best friend can be your yards worst enemy.
Chisholm says, "Your dogs probably going to be more willing to go to the bathroom on grass than on snow, so then you get that repeat contact."
If you've noticed these signs on your yard and are concerned, there's actually not much you can do right now.
Chisholm says, "You shouldn't water your lawn. Do not water your lawn. That won't do any good right now. In fact, that will probably damage the lawn."
She add that you should just be patient, wait for spring before watering and hope that we get some sort of moisture.
There is one good, but slightly minor side to having a dry yard. The dry ground means less grubs, which means you won't have to worry about moles digging up your yard.
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