Newly planted grass has some sort of mold?
Question:I planted grass along the side of my house, and there are small patches of mold that looks like cotton candy. I think it is called "snow mold". The grass doesn't get as much sunlight as the front and back of the house, because the front and back grass has grown very well.
Anyhow, I just planted this grass a few weeks ago and I may have watered it too much. Plus, the lack UV from the sunlight on the side may also contribute to mold.
Does anyone know how to fix this problem easily?
The seed I used is very expensive. It is Penn-State grass, customized for South Western Pennsylvania, where I live. It needs only 4 hours of sunlight and grows in shaded areas fairly well, survives the winter, and can tolerate moderate walking.
Answers:
Although it's possible for your lawn to have the summer version of "snow mold" (called Fusarium patch), I would like you to observe the photo at the following site to see if it might not be due to another disease called Pythium instead.
http://turfgrassmanagement.psu.edu/turfd...
Pythium develops white cottony, weblike mycelium on the blades of grass whenever turfgrass is wet or where air circulation is poor. This disease can develop rapidly and extensively in poorly drained areas and is especially prone to following surface drainage channels. Other common names for this disease are "greasy spot" or "cottony blight".
Pythium blight is a disease of hot, humid weather when night temperatures remain high, especially when accompanied by rain or excessive irrigation.
Following are some ways to reduce the incidence of pythium;
*In established lawns--water deeply, to a depth of 6 inches, only when necessary
*Water early in the day so leaf blades will dry
*Avoid watering in the late afternoon and early evening; do not water at night during hot, humid weather
*Prune landscape plants to encourage air circulation
*Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, especially when hot, humid weather is expected
*When Pythium mycelium is active, it is easily spread by feet and mowing
*Mow turfgrass when dry to avoid spreading the fungus
*Mow low or poorly drained areas last
Below are a couple of effective chemicals that will control it once it becomes established;
Agri-Fos® Systemic Fungicide by Monterey Products
http://www.montereylawngarden.com/produc...
Monterey Aliette® by Monterey Products
http://www.montereylawngarden.com/produc...
I know you've invested lots of money in getting your new lawn established BUT I'd strongly recommend you to consider applying a beneficial fungus that will prevent further diseases from developing. The product contains a fungus called: "Trichoderma harzianum" and is sold under the name of "ROOTSHIELD". It is a very safe to humans, animals and plants. Once it is applied, it protects the lawn naturally by inhibiting the establishment of diseases that attack the roots of many ornamental plants and turf.
Once it is applied, it can last for many, many years in your soil. You can also use the previously mentioned fungicides without concern of destroying these beneficials. It's just good insurance and I think you'll be quite pleased with the results.
Hope this helps solves your problem. Please feel free to write me directly if you have any further questions. GOOD LUCK!
-Certified Professional Crop Consultant with over 30 years of experience and a Degree in Plant Science
When I used to buy grass seed or potting mix for indoor and outdoor plants, I made sure that the manufacturers are nowhere around a mushroom factory. The spores of the mushrooms blow in the wind for miles.
I have lost many plants and grass not growing properly in the past.
Get the name of the company and the address, then look up mushroom manufacturers/suppliers/grower... and see just how close they are.
Good luck.
maybe this helps
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