Identify and fix lawn problems

The lawn is not always as lush and green as you would like it to be. Bald spots, matted surfaces, dying plants or stunted growth are just some of the problems that can arise. Then it doesn't help to scarify or fertilize the lawn, here you have to get to the bottom of the matter. But it is not always obvious at first glance what is wrong with the lawn. Here we explain to you in a way that you can understand how to identify and allocate problems and what you can do about them.

clover and weeds

Recognize

Weeds are certainly the most common problem faced by a lawn and its owner. They are also not to be overlooked and are noticed quite quickly. Clover growth indicates a lack of nutrients in the lawn, so it is worth determining the soil standard with a quick test.

Remove

The simplest, but certainly the most time-consuming method is to cut out the unwanted plants. You should definitely do this with isolated dandelion plants, but it is time-consuming and tiring for large lawns.

• Dandelions have long taproots that must be removed
• Clover often grows on heavily compacted soil, ensure good soil aeration and sufficient nutrients for the lawn roots
• Check the pH value, lime if necessary
• Only use weed killers if the infestation is severe

Mushrooms

Recognize

It is known that so-called witch rings can also occur in house gardens. These are circular occurrences of various mushrooms, the diameter of such a witch ring can be several meters. The first damage often shows up as a darker circular discoloration in the lawn, and the fungi appear later.

Remove

The mushroom mycelium can lead to dense matting in the lawn and the subsoil.

• be sure to aerate the soil, improve the nitrogen supply, possibly cut out infested areas, water well and sow again
• if you don't want to pierce the braid, be sure to pierce the braid so that nutrients and water get into the soil
• Witch rings often appear on dry, sandy soil, improve soil with humus
• Carry out countermeasures in spring or autumn

moss

Recognize
Moss often grows on acidic soil and matts the lawn plants. It forms dense cushions under which the lawn roots can even die. You can recognize moss by the thickening of the vegetation and the yellowish discoloration of the grass.

Remove

• check the pH value in the soil, it is optimal at 5.5 to 6.5, lime if necessary
• Mow the lawn regularly, but not too short, 4 - 5 cm is optimal
• if the infestation is severe, a lawn treatment can help to strengthen growth
• Enrich the soil with humus, possibly use commercially available means against moss
• If infested with moss, scarify in spring, aerate if infested with moss, fill ventilation holes with sand

gaps in the lawn

Recognize

If gaps appear, this can have several causes. In these areas, the lawn only grows sparsely and looks dry or diseased. There may be a water or nutrient deficiency. Especially during long periods of drought in summer, drought damage can occur in unfavorable, particularly sunny places. Nutrient deficiencies show the same symptoms, then regular fertilization is required. Under certain circumstances, waterlogging is also responsible, here aerating and filling the holes with sand can help.

Remove

• Be sure to follow the dosage instructions when fertilizing, do not overdose, this will damage the lawn
• Only water the lawn in the evening to avoid sunburn in the blazing heat
• use a lawn soil activator, it gives extra strength
• Loosen up completely bare spots and sow again
• Mow the lawn regularly so it can grow back evenly

sunburn

Recognize

The lawn clearly shows burned areas, dries up, falls off or grows unevenly. Here it is quite possible that you have blasted in the blazing sun and the sun burned the plants. Water droplets in bright sunlight act like magnifying glasses. This can also happen to other plants.

Remove

• It is essential to avoid watering and blasting in the blazing sun
• water in the evening so the water can be better absorbed

Bald, white and brown patches

Recognize

Sometimes circular, sometimes irregularly affected, bald and brown spots can indicate a fungal disease. Rust fungi, for example, often appear after long periods of drought, so action should be taken quickly. Fungal diseases are shown by clearly visible discolouration and speckled spots on the individual stalks. Make sure the soil has the correct nitrogen content, fertilize regularly according to instructions and mow the lawn at least once a week.

Remove

• in the case of fungal infestation, do not throw the lawn clippings onto the compost, the spores could spread again
• carry out a soil analysis in the case of severe infestation, adapt fertilization to the soil, possibly in the autumn fertilization with a focus on potash
• Remove generously from limited infested areas, fill in new soil and sow again

Incorrect fertilization

Recognize

When fertilizing, there can be too much or too little very quickly, so lawns in particular should only be treated exactly according to instructions. If you are unsure of the soil quality, you can have a precise soil analysis carried out using soil samples, or you can carry out a home test yourself. In spring, nitrogen-rich fertilization may be necessary, while more potash should be applied in autumn. However, it is a mistake to simply give fertilizer on a whim and it can cause permanent damage. Pale grass may require iron fertilizer. Due to these different requirements, a test may well be necessary.

Remove

• fertilize with complete fertilizer three times a year, at the beginning of vegetation, in late summer, in autumn before the dormant phase
• only fertilize once per season with long-term fertilizers
• fertilize after mowing the lawn
• water well after fertilizing

Editor's conclusion

Lawn problems can have many causes. It is therefore important to recognize damage early on and to act quickly. If you want a beautiful, lush, green lawn, you should fertilize regularly but not excessively, aerate the soil well and strengthen the plants by mowing regularly. With good soil conditions, the removal of weeds and moss, and an optimal pH value, you can enjoy your green oasis for a long time.

Worth knowing about lawn problems in brief

As beautiful as a well-groomed lawn in your own garden or on your own yard may be, a beautiful new lawn often doesn't stay the way we like it for long. Every lawn causes problems sooner or later. Probably the most common problem is moss in the lawn, everyone knows that, but weeds are also very common, such as clover. But there is a cause for every problem: improper mowing, poor ventilation, incorrect fertilization or even no fertilization. For every problem there is also a solution.

• Loosening the soil with a digging fork helps to prevent fungi on the lawn. This destroys the underground fungal network.
• In addition, you can work a little sand into the soil to make it looser.
• You should always pay attention to a loose soil, because then the lawn will grow better and become more beautiful.
• If you have weeds in your lawn, you could assume that the nutrient supply in the soil is rather poor.
• Clover, for example, also grows when the pH value is too high. Lime helps here to normalize the pH value.
• In addition, you should not cut the lawn too deep, as this weakens the grass. About 5 cm is optimal, a little more in the shade.
• Too much lime on the lawn can lead to insufficient nutrients in the soil.
• Blue-green algae can also occur in the lawn, in which case a dark, almost black layer is observed between the grasses in the lawn.
• The causes for this lie in the nutrient supply or in the lack of lime.
• Waterlogging or a soil that is too dense can also lead to blue-green algae.
• The algae covering can be removed with the scarifier.
• The soil structure is improved with a thin layer of sand, which is spread over the lawn.
• By the way, you should never forget to aerate the soil regularly, then the lawn will grow nicer and more evenly.

Learn more about lawn care