What Is Snow Mold on Lawns and How to Fix It

What Is Snow Mold?

As winter melts away in Ohio, your lawn might not look as fresh and green as you’d hoped. Instead, you may see patches of flattened, crusty grass that seem to be stuck together. This is snow mold, a common fungal issue caused by long periods of snow cover.

The good news? It’s temporary and easy to fix! With a little attention, your lawn will bounce back in no time.

What Does Snow Mold Look Like?

• Patches of matted, tangled grass.
• May have a grayish or pinkish tint (pink snow mold is slightly more aggressive).
• Found in areas where snow has melted away, leaving the grass looking sickly.

Think of it like bedhead for your lawn—it just needs a little fresh air and fluffing to recover!

What Causes Snow Mold?

Snow mold develops when snow sits on unfrozen ground for long periods, trapping moisture underneath. This creates a cool, damp environment where fungi thrive.

Here’s what makes your lawn more likely to develop snow mold:

✅ Heavy snowfalls early in the season before the ground freezes.
✅ Thick layers of fallen leaves or thatch that hold in moisture.
✅ Tall grass left uncut before winter, which creates a dense mat under the snow.

How to Get Rid of Snow Mold on Ohio Lawns

The best way to fix snow mold is to simply dry it out and get air flowing to the grass. Here are a couple of ways to do that:

1. Lightly Rake the Affected Areas

Gently rake over the matted patches to break up the mold and allow air and sunlight to reach the grass blades.

2. Use a Leaf Blower

If raking sounds like too much work, a leaf blower can help loosen up the grass without much physical effort.

3. Let Kids or Pets Play on It

Believe it or not, foot traffic can help! Let the kids or your dog run around on those areas to break up the mold naturally.

4. Mow at the Right Height

For your first mow of the season, set the blades at 2.5 inches (the middle setting on most mowers). This helps:

• Lift up any leftover debris.
• Get air circulating around the grass.
• Kickstart healthy spring growth.

What Happens If You Ignore Snow Mold?

If you do nothing, those weak patches become prime real estate for weeds like crabgrass. And once weeds take hold, they steal nutrients and spread fast, making it harder to get your lawn back in shape.

A little TLC now = a lot less weeds later!

Can You Prevent Snow Mold?

There’s no foolproof way to prevent snow mold, but these steps can reduce the risk:

• Mow properly before winter. Don’t leave grass too long, but also don’t scalp it.
• Mulch leaves instead of leaving them on the lawn or in thick piles. A blanket of leaves can trap moisture, encouraging mold.
• Aerate in the fall. Too much thatch holds in moisture and creates a perfect environment for fungi.

At the end of the day, snow mold is a temporary issue with an easy fix. A little fresh air, some raking, and a good first mow will have your lawn looking great again in no time!

Need Expert Lawn Care? Ecolawn Has You Covered!

At Ecolawn, we know local Ohio lawns inside and out. From snow mold recovery to year-round lawn health, our team of lawn care experts ensures your grass stays lush, green, and weed-free. Whether you need aeration, fertilization, or customized lawn treatments, we’ve got the solutions to keep your yard looking its best—no matter the season.

Get expert help today! Visit Ecolawn.net to learn more about our services and how we can keep your lawn healthy all year long.

FAQs About Snow Mold on Lawns

1. Does snow mold kill grass?

No, snow mold doesn’t permanently kill grass. It can weaken the affected areas, inviting weeds in, but with raking and airflow, the grass will recover.

2. How long does it take for snow mold to go away?

With proper care, snow mold patches usually disappear within a few weeks as temperatures rise and the lawn dries out.

3. Can I use a fungicide to treat snow mold?

Fungicides are usually not necessary for residential lawns. Raking and air circulation are the best remedies.

4. Will snow mold come back every year?

It depends on the winter conditions. Heavy, early snowfall and wet conditions increase the chances of snow mold forming again.

5. Should I aerate my lawn to prevent snow mold?

Yes! Aeration in the fall helps improve drainage and reduce thatch, which can minimize snow mold risk.

By following these simple steps, your lawn will bounce back from snow mold and thrive all spring and summer long. Now, grab that rake—or just let the kids stomp around a bit—and let’s get your lawn looking great again!