Type: Fungus, disease

Fungal Pathogen: Microdochium nivale

Appearance: Pink snow mold looks like well-defined circular patch clusters on grass and may follow surface drainage patterns. Pink/white mycelium may be observed on infected leaf blades.

Risk: Any matted turf is at increased risk. Juvenile creeping bentgrass is most susceptible, though Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass in lawns where turf is maintained at heights of 3”H or more are also at risk.

Timing: It appears when the temperature is between and 60 degrees so it may show up in spring, fall, and winter. Snow is not necessary like the name suggests, but the insulated, matted turf increases the chances of appearance.

How to Control Pink Snow Mold

Prevention

Fall mowing is essential for pink snow mold control. Keep grass about 2-1/2”H to 3”H; any taller and you set it up to become matted during snowfall. Good mowing practices include:

• Mow early in the day, ideally mid- to late-morning. The temperatures should still be cool, but the morning dew should have dried by the time you start.
• Put less stress on your grass by mowing in opposite directions each week.
• Abide by the 1/3 rule: set your mower to a cutting height that removes no more than 1/3 of the grass blade.
• Sharpen your lawn mower’s blade at least once a season. Dull blades can shred grass blades rather than cleanly cutting it, which weakens the grass and makes it more vulnerable to disease.

Contact fungicides can be applied to protect against infection during the wintertime. This must be applied after the turf goes dormant for the winter because the chemicals can partially phytotoxic, meaning they may poison your grass. That’s why it’s so important to thoroughly follow the manufacturer’s recommendations or work with a professional, like Shades of Green Lawn & Landscape.

Treatment

In the spring, any action that disturbs the matted turf is beneficial. This may be raking, mowing, or aerating.

You can also call Shades of Green Lawn & Landscape. We know just how to care for your lawn to prevent and treat fungal infections. Plus, if you’d like to have your best lawn year-round, we have a lawn care package for everyone’s needs and budget. Call us today at 765-771-9998 for a free quote.

Need Help with Pink Snow Mold?

Call Shades of Green Lawn & Landscape today at 765-771-9998 and let's talk about how we can help you with Pink Snow Mold and other Indiana lawn diseases.

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