Preparing for Spring

As we enter the middle of winter in Western New York there is a lot we can do to prevent snow mold on our lawns come spring. First, make sure that snow from shoveling or a snow plow is spread evenly over the lawn. If it is piled high and stays until spring there is a good chance you will be dealing with snow mold. If severe it will kill the grass. If you do get snow mold be sure to rake it softly to remove the dead and matted grass. 

Rye grass is affected more than other species and is a common type of grass in all northeastern states. Another way to help prevent it is to mow the grass lower in October. Two inches is good. This will keep the grass from folding over increasing the chance of snow mold.