Rake Away Snow Mold in the Lawn

Rake your way to a healthy lawn. As the snow recedes from the lawn break out the leaf rake and fluff up the grass. This helps reduce the risk of pink and gray snow mold developing and damaging your lawn. These fungal diseases are most common when heavy snow falls or ice covers non-frozen turf or after late winter snow storms. The damage is usually seen where snow lingers late in the season. Symptoms appear as circular areas of matted brown grass. You may even see a gray or pink cobweb-like growth over these areas. A light raking dries the grass, making it less susceptible to these diseases.

Reseed any dead areas this spring. You can further reduce the risk with properly timed fall fertilization. Use a slow release fertilizer that promotes recovery of the grass in spring without stimulating late season top growth in fall that is at greater risk of developing these diseases.

A bit more information: Spring is also a good time to sharpen your mower blades. Dull mower blades shred the grass giving the lawn a dull appearance. The clean cut made by a sharp blade closes quickly, reducing disease problems. Plus, you will save money once you sharpen your mower blades. Research found you will use up to 22% less fuel when you keep your lawn mower blades sharp.