Your spring cleaning definitely includes a guide on how to get rid of snow mold. Worry no more, because this article will help you get through that unpleasant sight of fungus after a winter season.
A moldy lawn after the snow is particularly the case when you have cool-season grass such as perennial ryegrass, fine or tall fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass. The mold growth also occurs in times of heavy snowfall.
The Dangers Of Snow Mold
It is easy to know what a snow mold is just by looking at its name. By definition, it is a fungal lawn disease that grows at the onset of spring when the snow melts.
The forms in which it is commonly categorized are pink fungus and gray fungus. The former is known to be more potentially hazardous than the latter.
The most common reason why snow mold colonies thrive is because of the large snow that falls on the ground that has not frozen yet. This eventually creates a breeding ground for molds to grow from the spores that lingered throughout the season.
Not only do snow molds negatively affect the health of the people around it, it also kills grass patches. Like other molds, it would still cause respiratory issues and trigger allergic reactions especially to those who have a compromised immune system.
To avoid the worst case scenario, you can use these bodily symptoms caused by mold in order to easily point out its presence. You should also know the distinct traits of snow mold.
It is particularly described as small, yellowish patches with a cobweb-like slimy appearance. It appears in different colors such as pink, white, and gray.
Getting Rid Of Snow Mold
Unlike other mold infestations, it is easier to remove snow mold. Some of it actually just dies on its own when the temperature rises. Gray mold, for instance, dies at about 45 degrees while pink mold dies at about 60 degrees.
The degree varies depending on the type of mold. This article can give you a guide on the different levels of temperature that could kill mold. Also, since some mold can die on their own when the temperature rises, this article can feed your curiosity whether a mold can die when it dries out.
However, this does not always happen. In some cases, one really needs to put in some time and effort coupled with the best cleaning agents. Just remember that you have to follow safety precautions because you do not have to put your health on the line for a mere snow mold.
Whether you have poor health or not, make sure to clad yourself in gloves, goggles, and N-95 masks or P-100 respirators before coming in contact with mold. If you think that the amount of mold is too large for your capacity, then leave the task to a mold remediation professional.
Step #1. Clean the area
Snow molds usually grow on lawns. Make sure to mow your lawn to destroy the potential breeding ground of snow molds. This particularly happens with tall grasses so ensure that you would certainly get rid of them.
Step #2. Use a rake
Gently rake over the straw-colored circles to dry out the area in a faster way. Remember to not aggressively do the task as you are still dealing with fungus that are potentially harmful to one’s health.
Step #3. Apply chemicals later
Only put chemicals when the grass had not healed itself. However, in usual cases, the grass has the capability to heal itself. As such, there is no need for the application of chemicals.
Preventing Snow Mold
It is useless to learn getting rid of snow mold without knowing how to prevent the same situation. It will only put your time, effort, and resources into complete waste if you do not follow these helpful tips and tricks.
Snow molds are typically out of control as it is mainly produced by a certain inevitable season. However, there are lawn fungicides you can try during the late fall. Also, it would be highly recommended if you cut the grass short to avoid creating a potential breeding ground for molds.
Another tip is to take good care of your lawn by clearing the debris. This minimizes the chance of mold contamination. Consider as well to bag up your lawn clippings to avoid a damp environment that could possibly supply the moisture a mold needs.
Make sure to check your lawn’s proper drainage. Any sign of water is an opportunity for molds to thrive. Fill in any lower areas with topsoil particularly in water pools.
Also, remind yourself to not fertilize in late fall. Cool-season grasses can be dormant in the winter especially when their blades are dehydrated. In such conditions, it is more susceptible to mold growth.
Lastly, do not leave piled up snow or leaves. Make sure to rake accumulated leaves and shovel driveways or sidewalks which are fraught with snow. For more information, you can check out this article on how to prevent snow mold growth.
Conclusion
Learning how to get rid of snow mold will be useful particularly during the spring season. A clean and presentable lawn is one good reason. However, a more important one is an environment that would be better for one’s health.