A beautiful lawn has a hard life. Every summer, it gets trampled, fights off heatwaves, and deals with certain diseases that can affect even the best-maintained lawns.
Here is some information about the most common lawn problems and their solutions.
WEEDS
Dandelions, thistles, clover, and other weeds are among the most common lawn problems. A large amount of weeds usually means that the nutrient level is low. The lawn, which is more vulnerable, requires more nutrients than weeds, which is why the latter spread at the expense of the grass in poor-quality soil. During the summer, low rainfall does not improve the situation because the grass is much more affected by drought than weeds, which are hardier. In this case, fertilizer is the solution. Mowing high and regularly is an additional defense against weeds by blocking access to the light needed for germination. Using high-quality seeds is also a significant factor. Poor-quality seeds often contain weeds and are grown to sprout quickly, which affects the density of the grass. Regular and deep dethatching is an effective method to prevent weeds from appearing in the first place. However, pulling weeds remains the best and often the most effective solution.
MOSS
Moss is a major headache for lawn enthusiasts. It only grows in areas where there is no longer any grass and will never replace healthy grass. Moss treatments alone will not solve the problem in the long term. Grass cut too short provides ideal living conditions for moss, but you can remedy this by increasing the cutting height and fertilizing sufficiently. Areas where the soil remains wet, such as under a tree, should be treated by reseeding with a quality product and adding fertilizer to the targeted areas. Moss also establishes itself in acidic soils, which are often characterized by poor drainage, a compact structure, and a lack of aeration. This problem can be resolved by improving drainage.
FUNGI
Fungi are among the scourges that affect even well-maintained lawns and impact their appearance. There are several types of fungi that can contaminate the grass, but only a few are truly harmful. The following conditions are conducive to the appearance of fungi:
- Extremely compact soil.
- A thick layer of thatch.
- High moisture levels.
- An unbalanced pH.
- Excessive fertilization.
- A thick layer of leaves left on the grass during the winter.
A healthy and well-maintained lawn is the ideal defense against fungi. If fungi are present, the best solution is to call in a lawn care specialist.
DISCOLORATION
Yellow patches on a green lawn are often a gardener's worst nightmare. Such discoloration can have several causes. Here are some tips for treating the most common problems.
- Yellow patches
Yellow and pale green patches indicate a lack of iron and nitrogen. They can be treated by applying a fertilizer rich in iron directly. Results are usually seen in just a few days. - Patchy grass and standing water
Poorly drained rainwater and patchy grass are signs that the soil is too compact. Fungi and cyanobacteria are often the unsightly consequences. The soil must be broken up and loosened to allow excess water to drain. - Pigmented discoloration after winter
Patches and mold are undesirable effects of winter. To prevent them from appearing, fertilizer should be applied in August and September to increase the grass's resistance. In addition, by adding lime in September and October and increasing the cutting height, your lawn will be better prepared to face the winter months.