How to Eliminate Snow Mold From a Lawn

Winter is almost here so take steps now to prevent snow mold from infecting your lawn. Snow mold is a lawn disease caused by a fungus and becomes apparent when the snow melts in spring. Snow mold is either gray or pink, but either one can be a problem. Take action now to make sure snow mold doesn't take money from your pocket for a new lawn.

Avoid using excess fertilizer in the fall. Fertilizer containing a high amount of nitrogen should not be applied to lawns in the fall because it may make the snow mold problem worse. The application of a moderate amount of nitrogen may help the lawn recover in the spring.

Mow the lawn until the grass has completely stopped growing in the fall. Tall grass is much more susceptible to both types of snow mold because it bends under the weight of snow, mats and creates a breeding area for mold.

Reduce thatch in the lawn. A healthy lawn should only have about 1/2 inch of thatch. Reduce the thatch layer to help prevent snow mold from growing.

Rake fall leaves from the lawn. When snow mats down fallen leaves on top of the grass, it creates a breeding ground for snow mold. Remove all leaves and other lawn debris in the fall.

Turfgrass that is only mildly affected by snow mold will usually recover by itself, but may take longer to "green up" in the spring. Severe outbreaks of snow mold can be extremely harmful to a lawn and may require extensive lawn repair.

Only use a fungicide if snow mold has been identified in the lawn in the spring. If areas of the lawn are seriously affected by snow mold, the application of a fungicide can help. Be sure to purchase a fungicide that is specifically recommended for the type of snow mold infecting your lawn, either pink snow mold or gray snow mold. Fungicides should always be applied according to the product directions.

Rake infected spots. If snow mold has created dead or matted patches in the lawn, rake the area thoroughly to increase air circulation and reseed.