a small leaf pile will destroy the grass underneath it quickly, but an even thicker snow pile that lasts for months throughout the winter seems to have no effect. Why?

Question

Editing just to say thanks to everyone who has contributed. The responses make perfect sense!

In: Biology

Answer 1

Couple things at play here. In winter the grass is dorment so it is not trying to grow or absorb any nutrients. It doesn’t NEED the sun in winter. In fact the snow can help protect the grass. The snow is at a stable temperature just below freezing. Without the snow the grass can be exposed to MUCH colder temperatures and strong winds causing winter damage especially if the grass is tall and unmowed.

In fall the grass is still trying to grow so the leaves will block all the sun preventing any photosynthesis. Also if there is any moisture, the leaves will keep it from drying out so it’s just wet and dark underneath, great for disease and bugs to grow helping kill the grass faster.