Snow Mold: A Common Turf Challenge in Sudbury

In the picturesque towns of Concord, Dover, Framingham, Lexington, Lincoln, Marlborough, Natick, Newton, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Wellesley, and Weston, homeowners often face a unique lawn care challenge post-winter – snow mold. Snow mold, a prevalent type of fungus in these regions, emerges as a significant turf disease that can damage or kill grass following the melting of snow.

What is Snow Mold?

Snow mold is a fungal disease that manifests in two primary forms: gray snow mold (Typhula spp.) and pink snow mold (Microdochium nivale). Due to their specific winter conditions, this turf disease is notorious in New England, particularly in areas like Concord and Sudbury. It thrives under the snow cover that blankets lawns for extended periods, creating a damp, cold environment ideal for fungal growth.

Impact of Snow Mold on Lawns

As the snow melts in areas like Natick and Newton, the effects of snow mold become visible. It is characterized by circular patches of dead or discolored grass, often grayish or pinkish in hue. The damage can range from superficial, affecting only the grass blades, to severe, impacting the grass roots and crowns.

Prevention and Treatment Strategies

Preventative measures are crucial for controlling snow mold, especially in snow-prone towns like Wayland and Sudbury. These include:

Proper Fall Lawn Care: Mowing the lawn until growth ceases and avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilizer late in the season.
Snow Management: Evenly dispersing snow piles encourages quicker melting and reduces prolonged snow cover on the grass.
In cases where snow mold has already set in, treatments might involve:

Gentle Raking: To aerate affected areas and promote drying.
Fungicide Applications: Professional fungicide treatments might be necessary, especially in commercial settings or extensive lawns in towns like Framingham and Weston.

Lynch Landscape and Tree Service: Your Partner in Lawn Care

At Lynch Landscape and Tree Service, we understand homeowners’ unique challenges in Middlesex County and the broader New England area. Our team is equipped with the expertise to diagnose, treat, and prevent snow mold, ensuring your lawn remains healthy and vibrant throughout the year. Our tailored lawn care solutions are just a call away for residents in Weston, Marlborough, Lincoln, and surrounding towns.