'Snow' more mold

Nothing says spring like a moldy yard. 

As the snowy months depart, one common problem among lawn owners is lawn fungus. One type of lawn fungus that might prey on your lawn is the snow mold. Snow mold usually appears in early spring just after the winter frost decides to leave. Snow molds occur when snow falls on grass that is not frozen. In addition to the snow lingering on the grass quite long. 

The Valley having early snowfall and some drifts still melting off in April creates an almost perfect environment for a moldy lawn. Snow mold is the kind of lawn fungus that is likely to go away as the snow melts and the cold weather gives way to the spring rain. Good news for those who aren’t particularly excited to start an intensive lawn care routine. 

Snow mold is common after winters with lots of setting snow. It is a fungus that develops under the snow pack and makes the lawn look matted with a cotton candy type substance on it. Once the snow melts and the temperatures warm up the snow mold goes away. In severe cases, aeration helps significantly to ‘fix’ the problem. However the growth and survival of all kinds of lawn fungus is highly dependent on the type of grass you have on your lawn. Additionally, the external factors in the surrounding environment play a part, too. 

According to information from the University of Wyoming Extension Office, “gray snow mold, a fungal disease caused by Typhina incarnate, is a common problem in Wyoming lawns particularly after winters with prolonged snow cover and in lawn areas where snow drifts or areas where shade delays snowmelt.”

The handout goes on to explain snow mold, like most fungi, lives in moist conditions. It also lives at temperatures just above freezing as it survives off of turfgrass, leaves and other debris matted down under the weight of the snow. While many homeowners try to clear their lawn before the first significant snow arrives, it can often arrive without warning and when homeowners are unprepared.

“The disease appears as gray fungus growing in patches on the lawn following snow melt. Fortunately, snow mold is relatively easy to deal with without the use of pesticides,” reads the handout. “Lightly rake the infected patches to fluff up the matted grass. Drying due to air movement and sunlight eliminates the problem. Snow mold rarely kills lawns, but if ignored snow mold may delay the spring green-up of the lawn in the infected patches. Fungicides are sometimes applied to sports turf in fall to prevent snow mold the following spring. This is not recommended for home lawns.”

If you’re wanting to get a good start on your lawn care before the heat of the summer arrives, it is advisable to address the issue of snow mold sooner rather than later. During the winter, when shoveling a pathway through your lawn, be mindful of where you’re placing your piles. It could mean having to address less of this lawn fungus.