gray snow mold on lawn
Every
winter causes some extent of snow cover to the lawns in the local Antioch,
Illinois area. Snow cover generally melts away after a week or two
allowing oxygen and some sunlight to return to the lawn before the next storm
throughout winter. However, this winter we have had an extended snow
cover that is setting up for some potentially damaging effects to the lawn come
Spring when the snow will eventually melt.
Snow
cover can be a positive for lawns as it helps insulate grass from exposure to
sub-freezing temperatures and wind which can lead to desiccation and severe
root damage. It can also be very beneficial in eliminating damaging
insect populations in the lawn as spring nears.
So
why is snow cover damaging? Here are some negative effects of the
extended snow cover we have seen this winter.
Heavy
piling up of snow from shoveling leads to massive compression and snow piles
that take a long time to melt, extending the cover even longer.
Snow is heavy and can
compress the grass damaging crowns and roots and preventing spring
growth. Compressed soil also acts as a barrier for root development and
limits the lawn's ability to generate new growth in spring, leading to more
room for weed development in highly compacted areas.
- Gray snow mold, (Typhulia incanata) identified by dead patches of grass and a whitish appearance, can be seen as the snow melts away form the heavier piles of snow. The taller piles take longer to melt than some of the surrounding snow, leaving the grass below soggy and wet, promoting mold growth. The patches of gray snow mold are irregularly shaped and are usually a couple of inches in diameter. Gray snow mold can kill the roots of the grass when severe but in most cases it only kills the leaf blades on the surface. New leaf tissue and the roots of the affected grass will often regrow as the weather warms.
- Pink snow mold (Microdochium nivale) kills not just
blades of grass but also its roots, resulting in circular dead patches
with pinkish or rust-colored borders. Pink snow mold can begin to grow any
time the grass is cold and wet (around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or lower),
either during a long, wet spring or an especially wet fall. When pink snow
mold starts to grow in the fall, it can thrive all winter under a layer of
snow, resulting in widespread damage to the grass. Patches caused by pink
snow mold are typically less than 12 inches in diameter, but numerous
patches may appear across the lawn. The grass will not regrow in patches
caused by pink snow mold.
Some factors to look for next fall that may trigger or increase chances of snow mold development include;
- When an early snow occurs, it melts quickly because the
before the ground is still relatively warm. This traps moisture at the
soil’s surface, keeping grass soggy and cold and creating the perfect
environment for snow mold to start growing.
- Dry fallen leaves on the ground create a soggy blanket
of organic matter as they begin to decompose. This allows snow mold fungi
to get a foothold.
- Like fallen leaves, grass left long in fall provides a
blanket of organic matter on the surface of the soil, keeping it soggy and
creating a breeding ground where fungi can thrive.
- Low areas in the lawn that hold water are prime
locations for snow mold. Constant wetness is one of the ingredients snow molds
need to develop.
- High Nitrogen fast-release fertilizers in late fall
spurs grass growth, but if applied in the six weeks before a heavy snow or
freeze, grass may still be green when it should be dormant. When green
grass freezes or is blanketed with snow, the blades become soft and mushy,
increasing the risk of mold development.
Lawn Doctor has been identifying and repairing lawns for
nearly 20 years from the devastating effect of snow molds and winter damage. Here are Lawn Doctor's recommendations for restoring a lawn damaged from snow mold and soil compaction form heavy snow cover.
- Once the temperatures are consistently above 55 degrees
Fahrenheit, rake away dead grass from the patches.
- Aerate if possible areas of compacted soil to soften the ground for spring growth
- Power seed the areas with new disease- resistant grass
blends
- Apply a soil enrichment product at this time is also
recommended—the new grass and damaged lawn will need plenty of
micro-nutrients to develop new growth in spring.
If you would like to learn more about repairing your lawn in
spring form winter damage or get an estimate to power seed, aeration and soil
enrichment contact us by phone or online and get your lawn green, thick and
weed-free starting this spring.
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