Pink Snow Mold

Grasses most commonly affected: Most types of grasses, including Ryegrasses, Annual Bluegrass, and Kentucky Bluegrass.

What Is Pink Snow Mold?

Snow mold, a fungal disease that attacks grass, comes in two varieties—pink and gray. Often occurring in late winter, it strikes when a layer of snow seals in heat and moisture beneath it, creating an ideal environment for fungal growth. Also known as microdochium patch or fusarium patch, pink snow mold (Microdochium nivale) tends to do more damage than its gray counterpart because it can destroy grass at the roots and crowns, not just the blades. And since it is capable of surviving unnoticed during the summer months, this disease can cause long-term harm to your lawn.

Pink Snow Mold Signs and Symptoms

Damage from pink snow mold becomes visible in the spring as the snow melts. The affected areas appear as well-defined circular patches that can range from 3 to 12 inches in diameter, and the grass inside the circles is often matted with a coating of fungal growth, usually white to pink in color. As the weather warms, the diseased areas of grass will die, leaving behind unsightly brown patches.

Pink Snow Mold Prevention

Fungicide treatments may be needed to control pink snow mold on new lawns or if the lawn has had a history of mold infestations. Otherwise, there are some things that can help to keep your lawn mold-free:

• Pink snow mold is more prevalent in grasses that are three or more inches high since longer grass tends to mat easily under snow cover. Therefore, it is in your best interest to keep your lawn well maintained and stick to a regular mowing schedule well into the fall. Make certain that the last cutting before the winter months is especially short.
• Rake and mulch leaves regularly in the fall and remove piles before it snows. Thick layers of mulch and leaves create ideal conditions for pink snow mold to develop.
• When clearing snow from driveways and sidewalks during the winter, avoid creating heaping piles or snow banks that will linger for long periods.

Contact Cardinal Lawns today to discuss how to keep your lawn healthy, beautiful, and safe from pink snow mold.