Some tips to prevent snow mold

Q. How can I prevent snow mold on my lawn this winter? My neighbor told me to cut my lawn at 2 inches to avoid getting it due to the snowpack in our area.

Jim from Canfield

A. Snow mold is a fungal disease we sometimes see after long winters. It is most common when we have early snows and the ground does not adequately freeze.

This disease adversely affects turfgrass by growing under the snow while the ground is not frozen. There are two types of snow mold, grey and pink, but they cause similar types of damage.

In general, they overwinter on dead plant material. So controlling the thatch in your lawn will help reduce infection. As with any fungal pathogen, air and sunlight are the best cures. So keep the area as dry as possible.

When it comes to mowing, the rule of thumb is to keep mowing as long as the lawn is growing. In our area, it was growing until about two weeks ago.

You can reduce the lawn height some, but do not scalp it — that will allow more light to reach the soil surface, giving spring weeds a boost.

One of the best ways to reduce mold in our area is to do a great — not just a good — job of cleaning up the fall leaves. They not only smother grass, but provide a perfect wet environment in which snow molds can flourish.

Finally, think about the snow piles at the end of winter. Spread them out so they melt faster and eliminate the environment for mold.

In most cases, the strawlike colored patches from mold damage can be raked to allow them to dry. In some severe cases, a fungicide may be warranted. In general, we won’t get this disease every year.

If you are seeing this problem consistently, look at the whole picture of lawn care. Are you over applying fall fertilizers? Are you managing thatch? A comprehensive approach will go a long way in preventing this and many other diseases.

Eric Barrett is OSU Extension educator for agriculture and natural resources in Mahoning County. Call the office hot line at 330-533-5538. Winter clinic hours vary.