How to Identify and Repair Vole Damage to Grass
What are Voles?
Voles are small rodents measuring between 4 to 8 inches in length, with colors ranging from brown to gray. Their primary diet consists of grasses, forbs, vegetables, and garden plants, but they also consume the bark of trees and shrubs, especially during the fall and winter months. Although voles prefer young, tender trees and plants, they are quite adaptable in their diet.
These creatures are active throughout the year and do not hibernate. They typically inhabit areas that are less than one-quarter of an acre and can thrive in various environments. Unfortunately, voles can cause significant damage to lawns, particularly during the winter months. They create numerous surface runways and underground tunnels, resulting in multiple burrow entrances. A single burrow can house several adult voles, and large populations may reach up to 500 voles per acre.
Around February and March, you might notice unusual ruts or paths in your lawn. These paths can be quite extensive, especially if your lawn has been covered by snow for a prolonged period. These irregular trails are made by voles. Without preventative measures, voles can inflict substantial damage to your lawn.
How to Repair Vole Damage in a Lawn
Vole damage to lawns is typically first noticed in early spring, after the snow has melted. The actual damage usually occurs during the winter months but often goes unnoticed until a few months later. In affected lawns, you may see irregularly shaped grooves or ruts in the turf. These paths tend to be more pronounced near the edges of the lawn and are generally more severe following winter months with prolonged snow cover. Vole damage can also be more significant if there are nearby fields of grass or prairie grass.
To repair vole damage, it is important to perform thorough core aeration. Fertilizing the lawn with a high-quality organic product, such as Synergy, can stimulate the growth of rhizome roots. Later in the year, when irrigation is in place, it’s crucial to follow the 1-2-3-2-1 watering technique. This method encourages deep root growth in grasses, helping to recover from damage. Most vole damage can be repaired quickly with proper fertilization and core aeration.
Mowing the lawn short in the fall can help reduce damage from voles. If there are native grass areas nearby, it’s advisable to mow the tall prairie grasses that are adjacent to turf grasses. This practice reduces habitat for voles, which may, in turn, lessen damage to the nearby turf. If severe vole damage occurs repeatedly, it may be necessary to call in an exterminator or set traps to prevent recurring damage over the winter months.
In addition to lawns, voles can also damage trees and shrubs. Signs of vole damage to trees include girdling and irregular patches of gnaw marks. Gnawed stems may have pointed tips near the ends of the branches.
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Photos of Vole Damage
Voles Damage & Lawns FAQs
How do Voles Cause Damage to Grass?
Vole damage to lawns is most commonly noticed in early spring, after the snow melts. Although the actual destruction occurs during the winter months, it often goes unnoticed until spring arrives. Affected lawns display irregularly shaped grooves or ruts in the turf, particularly pronounced near the edges. This damage can be especially severe following winters with prolonged snow cover, and it tends to be more significant when fields of grass or prairie grass are nearby.
To effectively restore your lawn after vole damage, start with thorough core aeration. This step is essential for repairing your turf. Follow it up by fertilizing with a high-quality organic product like Synergy, which significantly stimulates the growth of rhizome roots. Once you have established irrigation later in the year, employing the 1-2-3-2-1 watering technique is vital. This method encourages deep root growth, allowing your grasses to recover robustly from damage.
With the right fertilization and aeration, you can repair most vole damage quickly and effectively. Additionally, mowing your lawn short in the fall is a proactive strategy to minimize potential vole damage. If there are native grass areas nearby, be sure to mow the taller prairie grasses adjacent to your turf. This will help reduce vole habitat and greatly decrease the chances of damage to your lawn.
If you experience severe or recurring vole issues, consider calling in an exterminator or setting traps to prevent further damage over the winter months. Voles threaten not only lawns but also trees and shrubs. Signs of vole damage to trees include girdling and irregular patches of gnaw marks, with stems often showing pointed tips at the ends of branches. By taking these effective measures, you can successfully protect and preserve your landscape from vole damage.
