Just because the season is almost over doesn't mean you don't still have some work to do in the garden. This also includes proper lawn care, with which you, among other things, protect the lawn from weeds and moss in the fall so that it can sprout undisturbed into lush green in the spring. We have summarized the methods for you so that you don't have to bother with them in the coming season.
Protecting lawns from weeds and moss in autumn – why is now the right time?
The cool and wet seasons offer the best growing conditions for weeds and moss. If your lawn has suffered certain damage in the summer, it becomes even more susceptible to infestation. That's why it's important that you alreadyin autumn with planted lawn seedsdo something to strengthen growth and make the grass more resilient. So instead of using weed or moss killers on lawns, take simple preventive measures.
How do unwanted plants get into the lawn?
In most cases it is incorrect care that promotes the appearance and you should avoid these mistakes from now on when preparing your lawn in autumnWeeds and mosswant to protect. Which are these?
- incorrect mowing
- incorrect fertilization
- lack of light and air due to disturbing garden waste
- unfavorable pH value
- Vulnerabilities
Protect lawns from weeds and moss in autumn with thick turf
The correct height setting for a lawnmower is usually between 3 and 5 centimeters. Additionally, if you mow regularly, you will prevent unwanted plants from overgrowing and weakening the blades of your lawn.
In addition, if you want to protect the lawn from weeds and moss in the fall, scarify the lawn to aerate the turf and promote compaction and make it difficult for other plants. Mosses also prefer to grow on solid surfaces. If this is the case with your lawn, a scarifier can also take countermeasures.
Wrong fertilizer weakens instead of strengthening
To prevent unwanted plants from growing in the lawn, it must be able to develop a strong and dense turf. But it can only do this with the right nutrients, which also protect it from the effects of frost during the winter months. Which are these?
So-called autumn fertilizer is applied in autumn. This is rich in phosphorus and potassium, which make the blades of grass more resistant to the cold by promoting the growth of the roots and increasing the salt concentration in the plant sap. The latter gives the stalks a natural antifreeze, so to speak. They are stronger, which means the lawn can protect itself from weeds and moss in autumn.
Note on blue grain:
Blue grain is often recommended against moss in the lawn because it has a good effect on the soil climate. It should be emphasized here that blue grain is not a weed killer, but rather fertilizer. Although it is effective, before using it, you should keep in mind that it:
- If used incorrectly, it can quickly lead to over-fertilization, which in turn...Growth of some weedsfavored
- is slightly toxic to humans and animals (irritates mucous membranes)
- should be washed into the ground as quickly as possible (in the absence of rain by watering/blasting)
- Do not allow children or animals to enter the lawn after spreading
- If used incorrectly, the soil can become acidic
Light and fresh air are important for a weed-free lawn
If it is dark, damp and stuffy, mosses feel great. And such conditions are automatically created when fallen leaves, fruit or grass clippings are not disposed of immediately but remain on the lawn. So if you want to protect your lawn from weeds and moss in autumn, this is definitely one of your tasks. But not only is moss growth encouraged, the lawn can also suffer damage and become weaker. Moisture builds up under fallen fruit and the like, which can cause fungal diseases.
However, a lack of light can also be the cause if theLawn too shadylies. If you notice a particularly large amount of moss in one place, that could be the cause. If you can't provide more light (e.g. by removing annoying shrubs, trees or walls), it might be a better idea to create a bed there or find another replacement for the ornamental lawn.
Protect lawns from weeds and moss in autumn – new sowing
You should reseed weak spots in the lawn, i.e. bare spots that have arisen in the summer due to drought, among other things, to prevent other plants from growing there. The new blades restore and compact the turf, preventing growth and preventing weeds from growing in the first placeRemove mossneed.
Check the pH and balance it if necessary
Mosses particularly like acidic soils, so an unfavorable pH value can also be detrimental to their growth. You can easily measure the value in your lawn yourself and then take the necessary measures to maintain neutral soil. For this purpose, all you have to do is lime the lawn to remove moss.
