Question
The North side of my house does not get enough sunlight and the lawn is developing black mold.  I pulled up most of the lawn within about 2 feet of the house last year and installed some landscaping, but now it is forming again a bit farther from the house.  I can't tear that part up as it is getting into usable lawn space.

How do I get rid of black mold in my lawn?

Answer
There are two typical kinds of mold affecting lawns which develop under different conditions. You are best to judge which one would be most likely:

Slime Molds form on grass during periods of prolonged rainfall and high humidity. Starting out as creamy white slimy substance and becomes gray or blue-gray. Slime Molds do not cause any direct damage to the grass because they only grow over the surface of the leaf and do not attack it. May cause injury to grass if allowed to remain on the grass for a long period of time. Light exclusion may cause a yellowing and weakening of the grass, making it more easily attacked by other diseases or molds.

Brush slime mold off with a broom or rake. To avoid this, water early in day and allow lawn to dry during the day. Water infrequently and deeply, instead of daily.


Snow mold is another option, but this one typically occur in early spring following winters with lots of snow on unfrozen ground. One of these grow in distinct circular patches and can survive summers heats although the symptoms usually disappear when soil temperatures go up in late spring. You can treat with fungicides.