The harshness of this weather was surprisingly almost non-existent in comparison to Wisconsin’s typical winter weather. However, there still appear to be high volumes of brown spots in lawns throughout our Fox Cities area. Not all brown spots in lawns signify snow mold damage. Yet, sporadic brown spots spread out throughout grasses in the Springtime very well could be signs of snow mold occurrence.
How Do Brown Spots in Lawns Signify Snow Mold in Grass?
What exactly is snow mold? Snow mold is a type of fungus that can develop on grass in the winter months under a layer of snow. There are two common types of snow mold that people often encounter: pink snow mold and gray snow mold. Pink snow mold typically appears as pink or reddish patches of web-like mycelium on the grass after the snow melts. It is caused by a certain kind of fungus that thrives in wet and cool conditions. Pink snow mold can damage the grass by breaking down the tissue and causing discoloration and thin patches. Gray snow mold, on the other hand, is caused by a different kind of fungus that appears as fuzzy gray or white patches on the grass when the snow recedes. Gray snow mold can also cause damage to the grass, leading to discoloration, matting, and thinning.
How to Prevent Snow Mold in Grass (aka those brown spots in lawns!)
Preventing snow mold is key to maintaining a healthy lawn and can significantly reduce the amount of brown spots in lawn. So, here are some tips to help prevent snow mold:
- Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization in the late fall, as this can promote lush growth that is more susceptible to snow mold. Storm – The Lawn Pro of the Fox Cities hand-selects our Winterizer Fertilizer with zero nitrogen. We base our products solely around needs of our Fox Valley region. Let us provide a Winterizer Fertilizer in the late fall for you!
- Rake up leaves and debris from the lawn before the first snowfall to reduce moisture and promote air circulation.
- Mow the grass to a shorter height before winter to discourage snow mold development.
- Aerate the lawn in the Fall to improve drainage and reduce thatch buildup over the winter. Let us provide Fall Aeration for you!
How to Fix Snow Mold in Grass to Eliminate the Brown Spots in Lawns
If you do notice signs of snow mold in the form of brown spots in lawn, then there are also steps you can take to help fix the issue:
- Gently rake or power rake affected areas to break up the matted grass and improve air circulation.
- Aerate your lawn in the Spring for a more significant, continuous air circulation that lasts over an extended period of time. Doing so will undo the harsh effects of snow mold. Let us provide the Spring Aeration for you!
- Overseed the affected areas in the spring to promote new grass growth and help fill in any thin or bare patches. Let us provide the Starter Fertilizer for you after you overseed, so that you can receive rapid results!
- Avoid watering the lawn excessively in the spring to prevent further fungal growth.
Bottom line: Take proactive steps to prevent snow mold and address any issues promptly. Doing these keeps your lawn healthy and vibrant year-round, which will eliminate snow mold in lawn. Remember to consult with your Lawn Care Professionals at Storm – The Lawn Pro of the Fox Cities for more advice!
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