Festive Fungus: Keep an Eye Out for Snow Mould

Be on the lookout for snow mould on your lawn this Christmas.

Winter weather can create a variety of conditions for your lawn, including the risk of diseases like snow mould. While it might not be the most cheerful topic to consider, detecting it early can help protect your grass from long-lasting damage.

What Is Snow Mould?

Snow mould is a fungus that thrives in cool, wet conditions, which are common throughout the UK during winter. It becomes particularly active when snow blankets unfrozen ground for several days. The snow traps moisture, creating an ideal, sheltered environment for the fungus to spread.

After the snow melts, the problem persists. Snow mould can continue to grow even after thawing and may remain dormant in thatch or soil for years, waiting for the right conditions to return.

Although it’s not always obvious, it’s essential to recognise the signs before it takes hold.

How to Spot Snow Mould

There are two main types: pink and grey.

Both develop when temperatures are just above freezing and worsen under snow cover. You’ll often notice:

• There are white, grey, or pink patches appearing on the grass surface.
• Areas of turf that are matted or covered in slime.
• Regions that are weak, thin, or dead and do not recover quickly.

If you have observed these symptoms, your lawn might already be affected.

What to Do If You Spot It

As with most lawn diseases, prevention is crucial. Proper lawn care and adequate drainage lower the risk of snow mould developing. Simple steps include:

• Rake and remove fallen leaves and debris before the snow arrives.
• Removing compacted snow from the lawn when possible is essential. If you have the space and energy, gently clearing snow off the surface after a couple of days can help reduce moisture buildup.
• Be cautious about walking on snow-covered lawns. While it may be tempting to tread across the grass or allow children to build snowmen there, it’s important to remember that living plants are beneath the snow. The weight from footsteps can compact the soil and harm the grass, thereby increasing the risk of disease.
• Ensuring your lawn has proper airflow and drainage promotes natural recovery.

If snow mould has already developed, professional treatment may be necessary. Specialist fungicides are effective in stopping its spread, but these products are not available in stores.

Your local TruGreen lawn care specialist can evaluate the issue and apply the appropriate treatment safely and effectively.

Keep Your Lawn Healthy This Winter

Prevent winter diseases from harming your lawn. Schedule a free 14-point lawn analysis with a local TruGreen technician today to receive expert advice on keeping your lawn healthy year-round.