Snow mold is a common lawn problem in areas that receive prodigious amounts of snow. The fungus is not often encountered locally. However, this year we did see snow mold in a few places.

Snow mold can be one of several species of fungi that can grow in very cold weather. The spongy white fungus shows up after snows melt. It is then the fungal mats can smother lawns.

The fungi are not pathogenic in lawns meaning they do not cause disease. The fungi can however physically smother grass plants if it sticks around long enough. Fortunately our weather does not stay cold long enough for snow mold to be a real problem. If you do see it in your lawn you can simply rake it up and dispose of it.