Dew-covered grass with delicate webs, glistening in sunlight, creates a picturesque natural setting. No persons or landmarks in view.
Dew-covered grass with delicate webs, glistening in sunlight, creates a picturesque natural setting. No persons or landmarks in view.

Snow mold is a common fungus disease that can damage your lawn when snow covers your grass for extended periods during the winter. Snow mold comes in circular patches of three to 12 inches, and is usually gray in colour, or pink in more severe cases.

Fortunately, some popular grasses used for lawns in Nova Scotia, such as, Kentucky bluegrass are normally least susceptible to snow mold. Unfortunately, winter that include rainy climate like this province, can make the problem worse.

With the onset of winter, it’s important to take preventive steps to protect your yard from this lawn fungus. Here are some simple and effective strategies to help you prevent snow mold this winter.

1. Mow Your Lawn Before Winter

One of the easiest ways to reduce the risk of snow mold is to mow your lawn one last time before the first snowfall. Keep the grass around 2-3 inches tall to prevent matting, which can trap moisture and create ideal conditions for mold growth.

2. Avoid Over-Fertilizing in Fall

Applying too much fertilizer late in the fall can make it more vulnerable to snow mold. Excess nitrogen encourages rapid grass growth, which can become a breeding ground for the fungus when snow blankets the ground.

3. Rake Leaves and Debris

Make sure to remove any leaves, grass clippings, and debris from your lawn before the snow falls. These can create a damp, trapped layer that encourages mold growth during the winter months.

4. Aerate and Improve Drainage

Aerating your lawn in the fall helps improve air circulation and drainage, reducing soil compaction and making it harder for snow mold to take hold. Proper drainage is key to keeping the grass dry under the snow.

5. Consider Fungicide Treatments

If your area is prone to snow mold, consider applying a fungicide treatment in late fall. This can provide added protection and keep your lawn healthy throughout the winter. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure keep snow mold away. Repairing or even replacing your lawn can be very expensive.