What Is Snow Mold?
Snow mold is a typical winter lawn disease, particularly in those regions that get a lot of snow. When the snow melts, usually in early spring, it seems like matted, discoloured patches of grass.
Snow mold comes in two main types:
Gray Snow Mold (Typhula blight): It causes grey white patches and it grows well under deep snow.
Pink Snow Mold (Microdochium patch): This one is pinkish in color and causes harm to the crown and roots of the grass.
Why Does Snow Mold Occur?
Snow mold is a result of snow on the ground over a long period of time, particularly in the event that the grass has not been mowed or otherwise cleared of debris prior to the snow falling. The humid, insulated atmosphere beneath the snow is the ideal place to grow fungi.
Key causes include:
- Unmowed or long grass in late fall.
- Excessive thatch buildup.
- Improper fall lawn care.
- Heavy snowfall before the ground freezes.
Signs of Snow Mold on Your Lawn
After the snow melts, you might notice:
- Round spots of 15-30 cm in diameter
- Matted, straw-coloured or greyish grass
- A crusty or slimy appearance on the turf
- Sometimes, a faint pink or grey fuzz.
These are the sure signs that snow mold has infected your lawn.
Step-by-Step Guide to Get Rid of Snow Mold
1. Let the Lawn Dry Out
When the snow first melts, do not be in a hurry to rake or to mow. Let the lawn dry to prevent further turf damage.
2. Gently Rake the Affected Areas
When the lawn dries, then loosen the matted grass using a light rake. This will allow air and sunlight to reach the soil which will assist the grass to recover and deter further fungal growth.
3. Remove Excess Thatch
In case that your lawn is covered with a thick layer of thatch (dead grass and roots), apply dethatching rake or machine. Removing thatch improves air circulation and drainage.
4. Apply a Fungicide (If needed)
In extreme cases, you can use a snow mold approved fungicide. Fungicides are however more effective during the fall as a preventative measure as opposed to a curative measure in the spring.
5. Overseed Damaged Patches
If some areas are completely dead, consider overseeding. Select a grass seed that is appropriate in your area in Canada. Late spring or early fall is ideal for reseeding.
6. Feed Your Lawn
To assist your lawn to recover, use a balanced slow-release fertilizer. High-nitrogen fertilizers should be avoided early in the season because they may stimulate disease.
Prevention Tips for Next Winter
Prevention of snow mold before the snow falls is the best way to control snow mold.
Here’s how:
Mow Your Lawn Before Winter
Maintain your grass at 2-2.5 inches by the time the first snow comes. The long grass becomes matted and provides ideal conditions to mold.
Clean Up Leaves and Debris
Do not leave organic materials such as leaves or grass clipping on your lawn. These trap moisture and provide food for mold spores.
Aerate the Lawn
Aeration helps improve drainage and reduces soil compaction. A well-aerated lawn is less likely to develop mold.
Apply a Fall Fertilizer
Apply a late fall winterizing fertilizer that is low in nitrogen and high in potassium. This strengthens roots and boosts disease resistance.
Spread Snow Evenly
When shovelling, do not accumulate a lot of snow in a single place. Put it in a thin layer to make it melt more quickly and minimize the risk of mold.
Consider a Preventative Fungicide
Where snow mold has been a persistent problem, a preventive fungicide may be applied late in the fall, before the ground is covered with snow.
When to Call a Lawn Care Professional
When your lawn is severely damaged, or when snow mold continues to reoccur every year, it is time to call a local lawn care company and 3 Seasons Landscaping .
They can:
- Identify the exact mold type.
- Apply specialized treatments.
- Offer a long-term lawn care plan.
Large properties or homeowners who do not want to treat their lawns themselves can also find professional advice particularly helpful.
Snow mold may be unattractive, but that does not imply that your lawn is destroyed. A little patience and some lawn care can help you reinstate your grass and avoid future outbreaks. The point is to do it early in the spring, and get it ready in the fall.
These are simple steps and prevention tips that are specific to weather conditions that will help you have a lush, healthy lawn even after a long snowy winter.
Good lawn care does not end with the fall of the snow, it only shifts. Be active and your lawn will reward you in spring!