Snow Mold: The Not-So-Warm Welcome to Spring
- Danny at Spring Touch
- Jun 24
- 2 min read
Spring is finally here, the snow is melting, and your lawn is… covered in weird gray or pink patches? Don’t worry—it’s likely Snow Mold, a common and usually mild lawn disease that shows up after long, snowy winters (which we know a thing or two about here in Minnesota).
While it might look alarming at first, Snow Mold is usually more bark than bite—and your lawn will likely bounce back with a little help.
What Does Snow Mold Look Like?
As the snow melts, keep an eye out for:
Grayish-white or pink patches on your lawn
Matted-down grass that looks flattened or stuck together
Patches that appear dead or straw-colored in early spring
These are classic signs of Snow Mold, and they typically show up in shady or poorly drained areas where snow sticks around the longest.
Need visuals or a more scientific breakdown? Check out this guide from Iowa State University:
Why It Happens
Snow Mold develops under long-lasting snow cover, especially when:
The snow falls before the ground is fully frozen
Grass is left too long heading into winter
There’s excessive moisture and poor air circulation in the lawn
Think of it like this: Snow Mold is what happens when grass gets trapped under a cold, wet blanket for too long.
How to Help Your Lawn Recover
The good news? Most cases of Snow Mold clear up on their own once the lawn dries out and starts growing again. But you can speed up recovery with a few simple steps:
Gently rake the matted areas to fluff up the grass and improve airflow.
Let the sun and air do their thing—dry conditions help kill the fungus.
Apply a light spring fertilizer to encourage new, healthy growth.
Avoid walking on the affected areas until they dry out to prevent further damage.
Want to Prevent Snow Mold Next Year?
Mow your lawn a little shorter before the first snowfall.
Rake and remove leaves in the fall so they don’t trap moisture.
Aerate your lawn to improve drainage and reduce compaction.
Still Not Sure It’s Snow Mold? We Can Help.
If you're unsure what you're seeing, text (507) 934-5296 or email us a photo at info@springtouchlawn.com of the damage. We’ll take a look and help you figure out what’s going on—and what to do next.
