Will I Get Snow Mold With The Early Snow Event?

This is a question I have received numerous times this week.  If you manage a field in the midwest or east coast, chances are there has been a snow event within the last week.

The answer?  There is no way to tell at this time of year.  Why?  A turf manager has two different types of snow mold to worry about.  Gray snow mold and pink snow mold.

Gray snow mold can be expected after 40-60 days of snow cover.  To be honest, this is not much of a concern to turf managers unless you reside in MN, northern MI, northern NY, etc.  To learn more about gray snow mold, click HERE to see a publication from Dr. Rick Latin at Purdue University.

Pink snow mold occurs at a greater rate across the US.  Why?  Snow cover is not necessary for pink snow mold infestation.  To learn more about pink snow mold, click HERE to see a publication from Dr. Rick Latin at Purdue University.

Bottom line, if you are concerned about snow mold, and you manage a stand of turf that cannot be exposed to damage, a preventative application of a turf fungicide may be warranted.

Photo credit - Sports Illustrated

Go to j-dturf.com to learn more about J&D Turf.

Play on!

--Jamie

@JamieMehringer