When the snow starts to melt, everyone starts to get excited that spring may be just around the corner. There are several people that are waiting to work in their gardens and yard, and others that are just ready to be able to spend time enjoying nature. When the snow starts to melt, have you ever noticed patches of moldy grass that has a pink tint to it? If so, you are more than likely dealing with pink snow mold. Mickey’s LawnScapes is here to talk about the signs of pink snow mold and the steps you can take in treating it.
Is Pink Snow Mold Caused by a Fungal Pathogen?
Pink snow mold is a caused by a fungus known as Microdochium nivalis and is usually found in the early spring as the snow starts to melt. This mold starts to grow while a thick blanket of snow is still on the ground. The growth of this fungus can happen when temperatures are even below freezing and continue growing as the temperature warm up if the grass is still cool and moist. Pink snow mold flourishes if the temperature is between 32 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Pink snow mold can also be found during the fall season if the weather is unusually wet and cool.
How Do You Identify Pink Snow Mold?
When you have a pink snow mold problem, the biggest sign is grass that is a similar color to straw with a faint pink ring around it. The grass within this ring, will appear matted and moldy. As time goes on, and the problem is left untreated, the rings will continue to grow in size. Pink snow mold doesn’t usually effect the roots and crowns of the grass, but only the leaves. The longer the problem remains on the turf, if the conditions are favorable, pink snow mold could end up damaging them though. The longer pink mold is left on the turf, the more likely you will have lasting damage.
How Do You Control Pink Snow Mold
There are several steps you can take before the wet, cold season hits. They include:
1. Avoid using too much nitrogen fertilizer right before or during the fall season.
2. Don’t leave fallen leaves on your grass. Rake them up to avoid mold growth
3. Continue to cut grass and keep it trimmed until you know it is out of the growing season. When grass is left long, it is more susceptible to mold growth.
4. When experiencing snow melt, spread the snow out to encourage quick melting. This will keep snow from sitting too long and causing problems.
5. Keep your thatch at the recommended ½ inch and no more.
How Do You Get Rid of Pink Snow Mold?
The best way to treat pink snow mold is with your yard rake to air out the turf. This will easily get rid of the problem. The only time that fungicides are used, is with turf that is still young and could be damaged by raking.
Lawn Maintenance & More in Amagansett, Aquebogue, Baiting Hollow, Calverton, Cutchogue, East Hampton, East Hampton North, Greenport, Jamesport, Laurel, Mattituck, Montauk, Nassau Point, Northville, Northwest Harbor, Riverhead, Shelter Island, Southold, Springs, Wading River, Westhampton Beach in East End of Long Island, New York
If you have a pink snow mold problem that you can’t get under control, Mickey’s LawnScapes can help you get rid of it. We offer yard clean up services to avoid mold growth in fallen leaves and other plant matter. Call us today!
