Turf Club

Snow Mold

Central to Northern New Jersey receives an average of around 26” inches of snowfall annually and this year we are averaging about 37”. While it differs year to year our ground is snow covered for much of the winter months. While a fresh layer of the white stuff may look pretty from the kitchen window, often times the grass underneath is being affected.

Snow mold is a fungal disease that usually appears in the early spring. As snow melts, symptoms may first show in the lawn as circular brown or yellow patches. There are two types of snow mold: Grey snow mold and Pink snow mold. Both affect the lawn in a similar manner but patches do slightly differ in color. The fungus is most common through years when an initial, snow cover prevents the ground from freezing. The fungus does not usually kill the affected areas unless left untreated. If snow mold is found on the lawn you can remove it yourself. Gently rake the affected areas and pickup/dispose of the excess thatch.

There are a few simple practices we can all do to help prevent our lawns from getting grey or pink snow mold.
- Mow the lawn throughout the fall season until the grass is no longer growing
- Do not let excess leaves lay on the lawn over winter months.
- Prevent large snow piles from remaining on the lawn for long periods of time. You can spread out snow so that it melts quicker.

To recap: Both pink and grey snow mold is most commonly prevalent in early spring when the snow begins to melt. As the snow melts, yellow colored round patches may develop in the lawn. The grass in the circular patches is often matted down and brittle. The patches will have a greyish color if they are caused by grey snow mold, or a white/pink color if caused by pink snow mold. If you notice this on the lawn our lawn specialists at Turf Club can surely help!

Just like you prepare your home for the change of season, so your trees and shrubs perform best when we “winterize” them as well.

* Fall Fertilization: Helps plants recover from summer stress by supplying much-needed nourishment while strengthening the root zone for the upcoming winter.
* Fall Dormant Oil: Helps control overwintering insects/mites and their eggs by suffocating them. By eliminating them over the winter, there are fewer eggs to hatch in the spring. Excellent for ornamental fruit trees.
* Anti-Desiccant/Winter Protection/V***r Guard: Helps to protect your broadleaf evergreen plants (azalea, laurels,
rhododendron, holly etc.). This treatment forms a protective wax-like layer which seals in moisture and helps re**rd winter dehydration. An added benefit is the glossy shine which V***r Guard gives to the plant leaves.

Turf Club offers a variety of services that can keep your trees and shrubs happy and healthy. Call us at (908) 418-7034 for more information.

Nothing is more attractive than a well-manicured lawn on a suburban street. By hiring us you are guaranteed to have your property looking beautifully maintained. Join The Club and let our experienced technicians help turn your stressed lawn into a sanctuary of green.

If you see any of these w**ds and fungus occurring in your lawn, call us and we will give you options on how we can help you treat the problem and restore your lawn to its healthier version.