Snow mold is active at temperatures just above freezing in moist conditions. It most often occurs when snow cover exceeds 60 days, but can also be the result of leaves, debris and clippings. Freeze thaw of snow and excessive ice build up on grass areas are the major causes of snow mold.
Tips to Help With Recovery If You Have Snow Mold
- Remove snow from lawn/grass area with shovel
- Rake grass with a leaf rake to promote air circulation and allow new shoots to develop. If there is any dead and matted material, rake it up
- Kentucky Bluegrass is very resistant to Snow Mold and will grow out of it most of the time.
There are two types of snow mold. Gray is the most common. Gray snow mold is usually the result of prolonged snow cover, while pink snow mold is active from late fall to early spring, even without snow cover.
The best way to prevent snow mold is with the proper timing of fall fertilizer. The final application of fertilizer should go down after the grass has stopped growing and six weeks before dormancy. The final mowing should be made as normal at this time.
The best way to speed recovery caused by snow mold is to remove the snow off the grass area. North sides of buildings and along driveways and sidewalks where snow has been piled up are more prone to snow mold.
For further information, contact one of our expert members.
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