While snow has evaded the midwestern part of our country for the most part this winter it is interesting how the white stuff can have an effect on the health of our lawns in spring.
Anytime snow is allowed to sit on the ground for an extended period of time mold has a potential to develop. There are two forms of the mold: gray and pink. Gray snow mold is less dangerous and occurs when temperatures are just above freezing. The mold will usually develop in small circles and can be expected to heal itself fairly quickly.
Pink snow mold can be more dangerous to the health of the lawn and can occur anytime from late fall to early spring regardless of the amount of snow. The number one way to prevent snow mold is to continue to mow your lawn in the late fall until the grass has for sure stopped growth. Winterization fertilizations can also prove an effective method in preventing this fungi from developing.
To learn more about snow mold visit http://www.uri.edu/ce/factsheets/sheets/snowmolds.html
