Identifying problems in your lawn throughout the colder months can be tricky. Most Fort Worth lawns go dormant in the winter and lawn maintenance tends to slow down which could cause you to be unaware of potential diseases like snow mold that may be affecting your grass.

One of the most common diseases that can affect your lawn during the winter and early spring months is snow mold. Although the name suggests snow must be present for the development and growth of the mold, snow mold can actually occur without a large amount of snow present. Factors such as cold, wet conditions and leaves or other debris that can trap moisture, allow the mold to grow and thrive. We at Grasseaters have a few ways to help you identify snow mold, tips on how to avoid it, and what to do if it does infect your lawn.

Is it snow mold?

Symptoms of snow mold are easily identified if you know what to look for. Circular, somewhat irregular patches in the grass that are grey, tan, or pink in color will be present. These patches vary in size from a few inches wide to several feet. The areas will appear to have a web of mold over the matted blades of grass. If you are uncertain if your lawn might be affected by snow mold, contact Grasseaters today for a professional evaluation.

How can I avoid snow mold?

Snow mold can be reduced or avoided altogether with a few pre-season preparations and maintenance steps:

  • Cut the grass shorter than usual for the last trim of the season. Snow mold tends to thrive in longer grass.
  • During the fall, rake and mulch leaves often, keeping them off the grass for extended periods of time.
  • Do not let snow pile up on the grass whenever you can prevent it. When clearing paths and walkways, avoid leaving thick piles of snow that will be slow melting.
  • When feeding your lawn in the fall, use a low-nitrogen food that is slow-releasing.

I have snow mold! How do I treat it?

Most often, as the colder months draw to a close and temperatures rise, snow mold will go away without any treatment. If it remains, a fungicide may be used to treat the mold but should only be used if it is clear the mold persists. Occasionally, the grass in that area will not recover and will need to be replaced. If you determine this to be the case, you will need to rake the areas to get rid of the dead grass and reseed those spots as soon as the weather allows.

If you are experiencing snow mold, or would like a preventative maintenance plan prior to the start of the winter season, contact Grasseaters, Inc. today at 817-249-1070 or fill out our form for a free quote.