Snow Mold
Snow mold, also known as snow rot, is a common problem in areas with late snow covers and cold, damp springs. Snow mold flourishes under snow or wet leaves during the winter months. Snow mold is more prominent when the winter’s first snows were early and heavy enough to cover ground that wasn’t yet fully frozen. Conversely, a cold winter without much snow cover results in less snow mold in the spring.
What Does Snow Mold Look Like?
Snow mold is a lawn disease caused by two types of fungi: gray snow mold (Typhula spp., also known as Typhula blight) and pink snow mold (Microdochium nivalis, also called Fusarium patch). Gray snow mold appears as white to grayish webbing on the grass, while pink snow mold has a gray-to-pink tint. You’ll usually spot these patches after snow melts in early spring.
How to Prevent Snow Mold
Proper fall lawn care is the key to prevention. Here are proven steps to reduce the risk:
- Mow slightly shorter before the first snowfall and rake fallen leaves to limit fungal growth.
- Bag grass clippings during your final fall mowings to reduce moisture buildup.
- Avoid applying nitrogen fertilizer in the fall—it promotes lush growth that’s more susceptible to disease.
- Aerate compacted soil to improve drainage and reduce surface moisture after snowmelt.
- Dethatch your lawn if thatch exceeds ½ inch, as thick layers trap moisture and create an ideal environment for snow mold.
How to Treat Snow Mold
Although snow mold can look alarming, it rarely causes permanent damage. As spring temperatures rise and your lawn dries out, the mold typically disappears on its own. To speed recovery, gently rake the affected areas and overseed any bare patches for quicker regrowth.
Need help with snow mold or other turf diseases? Talk to an Adam’s Healthy Lawn Expert today!
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