Snow Mold Returns After Prolonged Snow Coverage

Weeks of snow cover in Missouri have led to the return of the fungal lawn disease.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Following heavy snowfall and prolonged snow cover in January and February, residents across Missouri are discovering snow mold on their lawns. The fungal disease thrives in cold, damp conditions and can cause damage to grass blades, crowns, and roots if left untreated.

Why it matters

Snow mold is an unwelcome sight for homeowners, as it can lead to unsightly patches and potentially long-term lawn damage if not properly addressed. The prolonged snow cover this winter in parts of Missouri has created ideal conditions for the fungus to proliferate, highlighting the importance of lawn care practices that can help prevent or mitigate snow mold outbreaks.

The details

Both the St. Louis and Kansas City areas saw significant snowfall in late January, with 8.3 inches recorded at St. Louis Lambert International Airport and 5.2 inches at Kansas City International Airport. The snow cover persisted for 10 days to two weeks due to colder-than-average temperatures, creating the perfect environment for snow mold to develop. The fungus appears as gray circular patches or pink, web-like growth and can spread via wind or splashing rain.

  • The Jan. 24-25 snowstorm resulted in snow on the ground for several weeks.
  • St. Louis maintained at least an inch of snow for 14 consecutive days.
  • Kansas City held snow cover for 10 days.

The players

Cardinal Lawn's Lawn Disease Library

A resource that provides information on snow mold and other lawn diseases.

TruGreen

A lawn care company that offers tips on preventing and treating snow mold.

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What they’re saying

“Snow mold or snow rot is a type of fungal lawn disease that forms from sustained snow cover or wet leaves.”

— Cardinal Lawn's Lawn Disease Library (spectrumlocalnews.com)

“Snow mold only occurs on actively growing winter grass in cooler weather and can persist up to 60°F if air and soil remain moist.”

— TruGreen, lawn care company (spectrumlocalnews.com)

What’s next

Homeowners can take steps to prevent snow mold, such as mowing the lawn short before dormancy, avoiding late-fall nitrogen fertilizer, and ensuring proper soil drainage. If snow mold does occur, raking the matted grass can help stimulate new growth, and consulting a lawn care professional may be necessary for more severe cases.

The takeaway

The return of snow mold in Missouri highlights the importance of proactive lawn care practices to mitigate the impact of prolonged snow cover and cold, damp conditions that can lead to the proliferation of this fungal disease. By understanding the causes and taking preventive measures, homeowners can help protect the health and appearance of their lawns.