Look next for the trails running through the lawn. They are caused by mice or voles that were living under the snow during winter. The deep snow protected them from raptors and cats, so they lived out the season happily traveling from place to place.

If you have bluegrass, the lawn will fill in quickly. Again, rake it off and let the grass green up.

There is no point going after the rodents. Once the snow melts, the creatures head for deeper cover. However, watch for burrows or diggings around shrubs or in other areas where rodents can find food.

Other problems you might discover are large mounds of loose soil.

These are left behind by gophers that spent the winter munching on the roots of your plants. These are by far the most serious problem you'll have.

Fortunately, gophers are not a problem in every lawn. They usually appear in landscapes that are near vacant fields, railroads, freeways or canals. They tunnel extensively and will chew off the plants at the base.

Gophers are not going to disappear on their own. You must aggressively trap, bait or gas them to prevent further damage to your plants. While that might not be the most pleasant task, it is necessary because they will destroy your plants.

Don't give up hope. Mother Nature has a way of helping your plants recover, and within a few weeks, most of your plants should be presentable again.

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Larry A. Sagers is the horticulture specialist, Utah State University Extension at Thanksgiving Point.