In January, it snowed and temperatures dropped below 0 degrees Celsius. Therefore, white fluff can remain on the lawn for a long time and significantly worsen its condition. It is about the development of snow mold, which we consider one of the most dangerous grass diseases. Find out what it is and how to prevent it.
Snow itself does not pose a threat to the grass, but the duration of its stay does. The white fluff that lasts for many weeks and the temperature oscillating around 0 degrees Celsius create a humid, warm, oxygen-free environment. Such conditions are ideal for the development of the fungus Fusarium nivale that causes snow mold.
Additionally, the probability of developing this disease is increased by slowly melting snow, icing on the grass, fertilizing the turf with nitrogen too late, the last mowing too early or in the case of frequent walking on the lawn and throwing white fluff onto it from vehicles.
Unfortunately, we are not able to immediately notice the development of snow mold. We will see the deterioration of the turf condition only in spring. Then, a whitish, felt-like coating, pink-orange mycelium and brown patches will be visible on the lawn.. What’s more, the grass will start to come off the ground in patches.
Additionally, if spring is wet, mold will continue to grow at a rapid pace. Therefore, it is best to prevent this dangerous disease.
READ ALSO:
We will prevent the growth of snow mold if We will limit walking on the lawn. Otherwise, a thick, compact layer will form on its surface and melt more slowly. Then the probability of developing the disease will be greater.
We should also avoid piling mounds of snow on the turf, especially after clearing snow from vehicles. Under such a huge layer of white fluff there is one step to the development of snow mold.
We can roll up our sleeves and break the hard, icy shells on the grass. In this way, we will enable the flow of oxygen and limit the growth of fungi.
We also recommend unblocking drains and grates. Snow mold develops faster due to stagnant water.
In spring, when the snow melts, we must immediately start taking care of the lawn. If we do not do this, there is a high risk of snow mold developing. So what should you do?
In the first step, we need to carefully rake the turfto remove felt, mycelium remnants and dead blades. After all, this is what causes the disease to develop.
Then we do aeration, even the simplest one, using a fork. Oxygen effectively limits the development of snow mold.
If the lawn is too dense, we must carry out the lawn mowing . This treatment is intended to get rid of felt and improve air flow.
Let’s also remember to: Gradually feed the turf with fertilizers with a large dose of phosphorus and potassium. We introduce nitrogen nutrients only during the vegetation period.
If the lawn is severely infected, you must use fungicides or biological preparations. In some places it will be necessary to sow the grass.
