Chicago’s deep snow is squeezing lawns — what homeowners should watch for this spring

A winter that isn’t just cold: packed snow and squeezed soil

Chicago has seen a long run of heavy, often wet snow this season. That blanket of white looks harmless, but when snow piles up and sits on the ground it presses down on the soil below. Repeated cycles of snow loading, thawing, and refreezing can leave the top layer of soil dense and tight. For ordinary yards, that means less space for grass roots to grow and for water to soak in when spring rains arrive.

Why compacted soil can seriously weaken a lawn

Compacted soil is harder for roots to push through. When soil is tight, roots stay shallow and the grass can’t reach the water and nutrients it needs. That makes lawns less resilient to dry spells, disease, and heavy foot traffic. Compaction also changes how water moves: instead of soaking down, water may run off or sit on the surface and kill grass. The result in spring can be thin, patchy, slow-growing turf that needs extra work to recover. It also makes soil less airy, lowering oxygen levels that roots need. Heavy equipment or even repeated shoveling can add to the problem. And those effects show up quickly.

Liquid aeration: a soft fix for hard soil

Traditional aeration uses spikes or hollow tines to pull cores out of the lawn. Liquid aeration is different: it uses a water-based solution that loosens clay and tiny soil particles so they stop sticking together. The idea is to create tiny channels and soften the compacted layer without tearing up the turf. Professionals say it works best on the top inch or two of soil and is not a miracle cure for very deep compaction, but it can help roots move and let water seep in more evenly. Results depend on soil type and timing. Homeowners should expect improvement over weeks, not days. It’s often faster to apply and less disruptive than mechanical aeration.

When to plan treatments: timing that matters

The best time to think about aeration is when the ground is moist but not frozen. After heavy snow, wait until the soil has thawed and dried enough to be worked. Doing treatments too early, while the ground is saturated, can make compaction worse. On the other hand, delaying until high heat and dry soil sets in reduces the benefit for new root growth. For many Chicago yards, late spring is a practical window, but the exact day depends on yard conditions.

On the ground in Chicago: what Dr. Green Services is saying

Local lawn-care company Dr. Green Services has been monitoring conditions and has issued a public notice to homeowners. “This winter’s heavy, wet snow is doing more than piling up — it’s squeezing the ground and making the topsoil tight,” a company spokesperson said. They recommend that homeowners survey their lawns after thaw and consider noninvasive options first. The company adds that properties with clay-heavy soils or areas that stayed under a deep snowpack for long stretches are at higher risk and may need more attention come growing season.

A short checklist for homeowners

• Look and press: walk the yard, step on spots that look thin and press the soil with your heel. If it feels hard and resists your foot, compaction is likely.
• Test drainage: after a rainfall, note areas where water pools or runs off instead of soaking in.
• Stage treatments: consider light, non-destructive fixes first — topdressing with compost or applying liquid aeration — and reserve mechanical coring for lawns with severe, deep compaction.
• Protect recovery: reduce heavy traffic on the yard and avoid working wet soil so any loosened soil can settle and roots can recover.

Overall, this winter’s heavy snow is more than a short-term nuisance. It changes the soil in ways that can show up in lawns when the weather warms. Homeowners who notice compacted spots in spring will have options that range from gentle fixes to deeper interventions, and timing those steps to when the ground is workable will make the most difference.

Photo: Magda Ehlers / Pexels

Sources

• prnewswire.com