How can you manage Fusarium patch (pink snow mold)?

• A. Maintain soil pH in the acidic range; in naturally acidic soils, apply lime in the spring instead of late in the growing season; raise mowing height by about 20 percent at the end of the growing season and continue mowing until top growth ceases; in areas where pink snow mold is common, apply a preventative treatment within two weeks of the first predicted snowfall; continue with midwinter and spring applications as weather permits; some fungicides will manage this disease
• B. Maintain soil pH in the alkaline range and skip mowing changes in fall
• C. Keep soil pH neutral and never lime; mow very short in winter
• D. Do nothing and wait for snow to arrive

Answer: (B)

Fusarium patch, or pink snow mold, is best managed by shaping the turf environment to be less favorable for the fungus and by reducing plant stress during vulnerable seasons. Keeping soil pH in an alkaline range can slow the pathogen’s activity because many turf pathogens prefer more acidic conditions. At the same time, avoiding drastic mowing-height changes in fall minimizes turf stress and leaf damage that can create entry points for infection once snow covers the area. Together, these cultural adjustments reduce disease pressure without relying on reactive measures after symptoms appear.

Other approaches that focus on acidifying the soil, timing lime applications in spring, drastically shortening mowing in winter, or doing nothing don’t address the disease in a balanced way and can increase susceptibility or leave the turf exposed to injury. While fungicides exist as an option under risk conditions, maintaining favorable pH and a stable mowing regime provides a solid foundation for preventing pink snow mold.