Protect Your Lawn from Snow Mold

Living in Kennewick and the surrounding Tri Cities area comes with the challenge of snow molds affecting your lawn during winter. Both pink and gray snow molds can inflict damage on your grass. However, by implementing the right preventative measures, you can maintain a healthy and vibrant lawn throughout the year.

Understanding Snow Mold

Once the snow melts in early spring, you might observe patches of matted grass with a gray or pink tinge, signaling the presence of snow mold. This fungal disease can not only kill grass leaves but also harm the crown and roots of your lawn.

Causes of Snow Mold

Snow mold can stem from various factors:

1. Excessive thatch buildup on your lawn can contribute to its occurrence.
2. Overuse of synthetic fertilizers can result in unhealthy levels of thatch.
3. Failing to mow your lawn before the first freeze can exacerbate the issue.
4. Neglecting to remove leaves from your property in the fall can create favorable conditions for snow mold.
5. Piling snow along driveways and other areas can prolong snow cover, promoting snow mold growth.
6. Planting susceptible grass types such as bentgrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue can increase the likelihood of snow mold development.

Preventing Snow Mold

To prevent snow mold from recurring next winter, consider the following tips:

1. Adopt a sustainable lawn care program that includes regular fertilization and core aeration.
2. Maintain your lawn at a height of 2″ to 4″, adjusting it based on seasonal growth.
3. Continue mowing into late fall before the ground freezes, ensuring the grass remains at a height of 2″ to 2.5″.
4. Apply winterizing fertilizer in the fall to promote early spring green-up.

By adhering to these intelligent lawn care practices, you can shield your lawn against snow mold and relish a lush, green yard from early spring through late fall. At Birch’s Lawn Care, we prioritize solutions to preserve soil health and foster sustainable growth.

Contact us today to learn more about protecting your lawn from snow mold and other common issues.