Bare patches after winter in Northern Ontario are most commonly caused by snow mold, ice suffocation, salt damage, vole or rodent tunneling, or heavy foot and vehicle traffic on frozen turf. These issues are particularly common in our region because of long winters with deep, persistent snow cover that can sit on the lawn for five months or more. Martin Services provides lawn repair and patching services across Powassan, North Bay, Callander, and surrounding communities.
Snow Mold
Snow mold is the most common cause of bare patches in Northern Ontario. It is a fungal disease that develops under snow cover, particularly when snow falls on unfrozen ground. You will notice it in spring as circular patches of matted, grey or pinkish grass. Grey snow mold (Typhula blight) is the most common variety in our area. The good news is that grey snow mold usually damages only the grass blades, not the crowns, so affected areas often recover on their own with raking, sun, and air circulation. If the crowns are killed, overseeding or patching with sod is needed.
Other Common Causes
Ice sheets that form on low-lying areas of the lawn can suffocate grass by cutting off air exchange for extended periods. Road salt or de-icer splash from driveways and sidewalks kills grass along edges and can leach into the soil, affecting growth well into spring. Voles — small rodents that tunnel under snow cover — create visible surface trails of dead grass that appear when the snow melts. Finally, areas where vehicles were parked on the lawn or where heavy foot traffic compacted frozen grass are prone to winter kill.
Repairing Winter Damage
The first step is a thorough spring raking to remove dead material, break up matted grass, and improve air circulation. Many snow mold patches will green up on their own within a few weeks. For bare areas that do not recover, Martin Services can overseed, patch with sod, or do a combination depending on the size and location of the damage. We also address underlying issues like poor drainage or compaction that make winter damage more likely to recur.
Need lawn repair this spring? Call Martin Services at (249) 506-9211 for a free estimate. We serve Powassan, North Bay, and all surrounding areas.