Snow Mold Snow mold is worse in wet shaded areas where snow takes a long time to melt. As the snow melts tan or pinkish patches appear. To prevent mow lawn shorter than usual in these susceptible areas and remove clippings. Smut or Stripe smut Bluegrass and bent grass most affected by this fungus in cool spring and fall weather. Leaves develop black or gray stripes that rupture and discharge black spores infecting healthy grass.
Diseased grass is stunted and turns yellow-green.
Leaves will curl and shred before dying. Seed lawn with a blend of bluegrass seed as one of them will be resistant to smut. Powdery Mildew Warm, humid days and cool nights favor mildew in bluegrass and fescues. The grass shows a gray-white, white, or brown mold on the leaf blades, often in shady areas with low air circulation and poor draining soil. Avoid averwatering during hot humid weather.