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Is Your Dormant Lawn in New Berlin or Waterford Covered in "Fuzz"?

As the snow piles finally melt across Waukesha and Racine Counties, you might notice something odd on your lawn. Even though the grass is still dormant (brown and brittle), there may be patches of white, gray, or pink "fuzz" matted down where the snow used to be. Homeowners in New Berlin and Waterford frequently ask us: Why does my brown grass look like it has a web over it? The good news is that your lawn likely isn't dead. This is a common winter condition called Snow Mold, and it happens when fungus grows under heavy snow cover. The "Plow Pile" Effect Snow mold thrives in cold, wet environments without airflow. You will usually find it exactly where the snow was deepest and sat the longest—specifically along driveway edges or road frontages where plows stacked the snow high. What to Look For (Even on Brown Grass) Because your lawn is currently dormant and straw-colored, the mold is easy to spot: • Gray Snow Mold: Look for matted patches that resemble dried paper-mache or spiderwebs spread over the grass blades. This type generally only affects the leaf blade and is less likely to cause long-term damage. • Pink Snow Mold: This appears as a salmon or pinkish fuzz on top of the dormant grass. This variety can be more aggressive and may affect the crown of the plant, so it’s worth keeping an eye on as the weather warms.
How to Help Your Lawn Recover The best thing you can do for your lawn right now is to improve Airflow. The fungus stops growing once the grass dries out. 1. Check the Soil: Wait until the ground is firm. Walking on soggy, thawing soil can cause compaction issues that are harder to fix than the mold itself. 2. Break the Seal: Once the ground is dry enough, use a plastic leaf rake to gently fluff up the matted areas. You don't need to rake hard; just lifting the matted blades is enough. 3. Let it Breathe: This simple step allows air to reach the soil surface, helping the grass wake up healthy when spring arrives. Questions About Your Spring Lawn? Most lawns in New Berlin and Waterford will bounce back naturally with a little sunlight and airflow. However, if you are concerned about persistent matted spots or salt damage along your driveway, we are here to help. Feel free to reach out to Lawn Doctor of Antioch at (847) 395-0940 if you have any questions about getting your lawn ready for the season.
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Location: New Berlin, WI, USA

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