A beautiful lawn has a hard life. Every summer, it gets trampled, fights off hot spells and certain diseases that can attack even the best-maintained lawns.
Here is information on the most common lawn problems and solutions.
WEEDS
Dandelion, thistle, clover and weeds are some of the most common lawn problems. A large amount of weed normally means the nutrient level is low. The lawn, which is more vulnerable, requires more nutrients than weeds, which explains why the latter spread to the detriment of the lawn in poor quality soil. During the summer, the low rainfall does not improve the situation since the grass is much more affected by the drought than the tougher weeds. In this case, fertilizer is the solution. Mowing high and regularly is an additional defense against weeds by blocking access to the light necessary for germination. The use of good quality seeds is also a significant factor. Poor quality seed often contains weeds and is grown to grow quickly, which affects turf density. Regular and thorough dethatching is an effective method of preventing the appearance of weeds from the outset. However, pulling weeds remains the best solution and often the most effective.
THE FOAM
Moss is a huge headache for lawn lovers. It only grows where there is no more grass and will never take the place of healthy grass. Anti-moss treatments alone will not solve the problem in the long term. A grass cut too close provides the ideal conditions for moss to live in, but you can remedy this by increasing the cutting height and fertilizing enough. 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 spots. Moss also establishes itself in acidic soils often characterized by poor drainage, compact structure and lack of aeration. This problem can be solved by improving the drainage.
THE MUSHROOMS
Fungi are among the plagues that affect even well-kept lawns and affect their appearance. There are several types of fungus that can contaminate turf, but only a few are actually harmful. The following conditions are conducive to the appearance of fungi:
- Extremely compact soil.
- A thick layer of thatch.
- High humidity.
- An imbalanced pH.
- Excessive fertilization.
- A thick layer of leaves left on the lawn during the winter.
A healthy, well-maintained lawn is the ideal defense against fungus. In the presence of fungi, the best solution is to call a lawn care specialist.
FADE
Yellow spots on a lush green lawn are often a gardening enthusiast's worst nightmare. Such discoloration can have several causes. Here are some tips for dealing with the most common problems.
- Yellow spots
Yellow and pale green spots indicate a lack of iron and nitrogen. They can be treated by directly applying an iron-rich fertilizer. Results are usually seen in just a few days. - Mottled grass and water accumulation
Badly draining rainwater and mottled grass are signs that the soil is too compact. Fungi and cyanobacteria are often unsightly consequences. The soil should be broken up and loosened to allow excess water to drain. - Pigmented discoloration after winter
Stains and mildew are undesirable effects of winter. To prevent their appearance, a fertilizer should be applied in August and September to increase the resistance of the lawn. Plus, by adding lime in September and October and increasing the cutting height, your lawn will be better prepared to face the winter months.