"Why is my lawn slimy and discolored?"

Recently, our applicators have noticed a significant amount of snow mold on our clients' lawns. This disease appears on turf as discolored spots that are brown, grey, or pink, with a matted, slimy appearance, resembling water damage. Although the name suggests otherwise, snow and heavy frost can indeed trigger the disease, but prolonged wet and cold conditions can also cause it.

Snow mold can make turf appear slimy and discolored.

Fungicides can be applied as a preventative measure, but timing is challenging due to various weather factors. Applying fungicides afterward can help prevent further damage, but they are not curative and their effectiveness lasts only 10-14 days. In reality, the emphasis should be on helping your lawn recover.

The most effective way to assist turf recovery from snow mold damage is to promote air circulation and drying in the affected areas. This can be efficiently done using a handheld or backpack blower to "fluff up" the damaged spots. A grass rake can also be used, but it requires more effort and may harm the lawn.

Try to remove heavy accumulations of snow from your turf, especially from shoveled walkways or driveways. Avoid mowing in soggy conditions. Mowing in dry conditions can aid in turf recovery.

Do not skip applications. Proper fertilization, even over the winter, is the best way to keep your lawn healthy and better able to both resist and recover from disease.