What to Do About Bare Patches Before the Snow Falls
Bare patches can sneak up on you toward the end of the season — thin areas where the grass simply gave up after summer heat or foot traffic. If you live in Newmarket, Aurora, or East Gwillimbury, there’s still time to take action before winter sets in.
At Qscapes Lawn Care & Landscaping, we often get the same questions from homeowners this time of year, so here’s a quick Q&A guide to help you fix those thin spots and protect your lawn before the snow arrives.
Q: Is it too late to repair bare patches in December?
Not necessarily. If the ground hasn’t frozen yet, you can still overseed or dormant seed. The seed will stay in place through winter and germinate early in spring once soil temperatures rise.
Q: Should I cut the grass before overseeding?
Yes. A short lawn cutting helps seed reach the soil surface and improves germination. Mow the grass to about 2 inches, then lightly rake to remove debris before spreading seed.
Q: Can I just spread seed and leave it?
You can — but for better results, apply a thin layer of topdressing soil or compost over the seed. This protects it from wind, birds, and frost. If temperatures stay above 10°C during the day, light watering will help until freeze-up.
Q: What if the ground is already frozen?
You can still apply dormant seed — grass seed spread on frozen soil. It won’t germinate until spring but will settle into the soil with melting snow, giving you an early start next season.
Q: Should I fertilize now?
If you haven’t already applied your fall fertilizer, it’s best to wait until early spring. Fertilizer won’t be absorbed effectively once the ground is frozen.
Q: How can professional lawn services help?
A professional team ensures even seed coverage, proper mowing height, and topdressing that matches your soil type. At Qscapes Lawn Care & Landscaping, we combine lawn cutting, overseeding, and soil repair as part of our fall and pre-winter service plans.
Q: What happens if I don’t fix bare spots before winter?
Snow, ice, and spring runoff can make patchy areas worse, leading to erosion and weed growth. A quick fix now saves you from a full lawn renovation later.
Final Tip: Don’t Overlook the Last Cut
Even if overseeding isn’t possible, a clean final cut makes a big difference. Trimming grass shorter helps prevent snow mold and keeps your lawn looking tidy through winter.
Ready to Strengthen Your Lawn?
Before the snow settles in, take care of those bare patches and prepare your grass for a fresh start next spring.
📍 Serving Newmarket, Aurora, and East Gwillimbury, Qscapes Lawn Care & Landscaping offers late-season lawn cutting, overseeding, and soil care services to protect and restore your yard year-round.
Contact us today to schedule your final service before winter.