Snow mold can be an unsightly surprise in the spring, which is why preventative applications (especially in regions that experience rough winters) are so important.
Snow Mold 101
There are two types of snow mold: pink (Microdochium nivale) and gray (Typhula incarnata).
Pink snow mold can develop at any time of year, so long as conditions are cool and damp, while gray snow mold needs extended snow cover to develop.
Gray snow mold attacks grass blades, while pink snow mold is more aggressive, attacking the crown and roots.
Get Prepared
I encourage my customers to test their soil, fertilize, follow cultural practices, and use plant protectants to help prevent snow mold.
Test Your Soil
You’ll need to determine what inputs your field needs before you make your fall fertilizer applications. Soil Solver tests are a great ‘X-ray’ for your soil and give you a better understanding of your fertility needs.
Essentially, your Soil Solver test results will tell you what inputs your soil needs and how much of each input you should apply. This helps you avoid guesswork, letting you make the most of your budget and the time you spend on applications.
Fertilize
Once you’ve tested your soil, you’ll have the information you need to attack any deficiencies with fertilizer. This is also the time to address potential pH issues.
A couple notes: As you build up turf plants’ carbohydrates going into the winter, disease risk decreases because carbohydrates make the plants stronger. Also, make sure not to oversupply your field with nitrogen, as this can increase disease pressure.
Follow Cultural Practices
Aeration, whether it be solid tine or hollow core, allows gases to escape the soil and relieves compaction. This allows roots to better absorb nutrients that are available in the soil and/or applied nutrients.
In addition to aerating, you should dethatch and address any drainage issues. Also, try to avoid scalping the turf when mowing (this is often caused by lowering the height of your cut), which will injure the plants. Be sure to clean up leaf litter to help dry up the canopy, too.
Use Plant Protectants
Proper drainage and proper fertilization may cut it in some instances, but there are times when fungicides are needed. A dual-action fungicide with contact and systemic qualities will give the best results throughout the winter. Some common, effective active ingredients include PCNB, chlorothalonil, fluazinam, propiconazole, and iprodione.
Lean On Your Rep
Your ATS rep will be able to go over different fungicide options, fertilizer, and everything else discussed here in detail. Snow mold can be a nuisance, but with the right preventative steps, the impact and/or amount can be lessened.
Reach out to your ATS rep today for personalized snow mold advice, and be sure to ask about a soil test!
