As much of the UK is forecast to experience a prolonged cold spell over the coming weeks — with snow, ice and extended frost in many areas — now is a good time to pause, assess conditions, and focus on protecting turf and soil health through winter.
In golf and amenity turf, the effects of winter stress — such as compaction, surface damage and disease pressure — often influence turf performance well into the following season, reinforcing a key message within the industry: winter management isn’t about pushing turf forward, but about preserving soil structure and plant resilience so recovery can happen efficiently in spring.
With growth limited, winter also provides a useful opportunity to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and how turf and soils responded across the season.
With that in mind, here are a few practical agronomic considerations as we head into a period of sustained cold weather:
1. Manage surface moisture and disease risk
Extended leaf wetness, snow cover and low light levels increase susceptibility to winter diseases. Sensible cutting heights, good airflow and moisture management are all key tools, alongside carefully targeted nutrition, health and protection products.
3. Protect soil structure and oxygen exchange
Cold, wet conditions restrict gas movement in the rootzone. Preserving soil porosity and avoiding unnecessary disturbance helps maintain root function during prolonged winter stress.
4. Prioritise root resilience over top growth
At low soil temperatures, nutrient uptake and biological activity slow significantly. Winter management should focus on maintaining plant resilience rather than stimulating growth that cannot be supported.
5. Use winter as a planning and assessment window
With growth limited, winter provides an opportunity to review site performance, soil condition and stress points, helping inform more effective decisions when growth resumes.
Winter is not the time for heavy programmes, but carefully chosen biological and soil-support products can help maintain balance in the rootzone, particularly where soils are under stress from low temperatures, saturation or previous wear. If you’re unsure what’s appropriate in current conditions, we’re always happy to talk it through.
Winter changes the role of soil biology, but not its importance. Our solutions help protect turf through colder months, building resilience that supports performance across the seasons. By working with natural processes, soil biology contributes to healthier playing surfaces and a more sustainable management approach.