If a fungus is noticed in the lawn, it is often just one of many. Before a more severe infestation occurs, immediate action should be taken. Prevention is also possible.
Causes of fungi
Fungal growth occurs primarily when the following criteria are met:
- lack of ventilation of the floor
- Felt on the lawn
- Moss
- Nutrient Deficiency
- dead roots in the soil
- too high humidity to waterlogging
- too little light
Prevention
Fungal infestation can be prevented by checking the possible causes and adjusting the care of the lawn accordingly. On the one hand, well-cared for and cared for grass plants are strong and can therefore assert themselves better against weeds and moss. On the other hand, the fungi are deprived of their breeding ground.
- adapted fertilization
- if necessary, preparation of the soil
- pour or sprinkle as needed
- regular mowing
Remove felt
Removing thatch and moss definitely makes sense because it allows the lawn to thrive better and aerates the soil. There are two options available for this measure.
On the one hand, you can do it manually and use a rake and a rake. However, this is only suitable for very small lawns, as it is physically demanding and takes some time. An alternative is a manual scarifier. However, this also requires considerable effort.
On the other hand, you can use an electric or petrol-powered scarifier. This is particularly recommended for larger lawns.
Tip:
A scarifier can be borrowed for use. However, for large lawns, investing in your own device may be worthwhile in the long term.
Sand
If the soil tends to become compacted, incorporating quartz sand can help and loosen the soil. This improves ventilation and ensures better water drainage.
It is best to spread the sand with a spreader to achieve an even distribution. Carry out the measure after mowing and scarifying so that the quartz can be well incorporated into the soil.
Regulate moisture
One of the main requirements for the fungus is a correspondingly high level of humidity. This can arise from both persistently high rainfall and too frequent watering. However, appropriate measures can be taken against this. These are:
- water appropriately
- Insert drainage
- loose up the soil
Mowing
Keeping the lawn short also ensures that moisture is regulated. Dew and raindrops can dry better. In addition, the grass plants branch out more, reducing the risk of fungal and weed infestation.
Fertilization
Appropriate fertilization keeps the grass plants strong and can therefore do more than just prevent the spread of fungi. However, this requires that the nutrient application is precisely coordinated and that the fertilizer is distributed evenly.
This includes a soil analysis. Take a sample of the soil and use a test kit or drop off the substrate at an appropriate testing site. These include, among others:
- Hardware stores
- Gardening
- Garden Center
Corresponding services are even offered online and in pet stores. Although professional testing is usually a little more expensive than a corresponding set, it does have corresponding advantages. So it is more precise and usually offers more variables to be examined.
Removing roots
Mushrooms grow primarily in places where there are still tree roots that are rotten and slowly decaying. The spread of the fungus causes woody roots to decompose more quickly. If the remains of trees or bushes are removed in depth, the breeding ground is removed.
Garden lime
Lime changes the pH value of the soil. This makes it possible to specifically combat fungal infestation. As a rule, it is only necessary to treat the affected areas. If fungi appear everywhere on the lawn, the garden lime can also be distributed evenly.
Tip:
It's easy to rent a spreader from a hardware store. However, since it is also suitable for spreading sand and fertilizer, it is worth purchasing in the long term.
Cutout
A so-called witch ring is mushrooms that grow in a circular arrangement. The advantage of this is that the infestation is comparatively limited. This allows you to dig out the affected soil, add new soil and sow grass.
Be generous when removing them and, if possible, start cutting out at a distance of at least 20 centimeters from the mushrooms. This also eliminates spores.
Remove foreign bodies
Twigs, branches and fallen fruit as well as garden furniture or swimming pools ensure that the grass does not receive enough sunlight. As the stalks decompose, the moisture beneath the objects increases and an ideal breeding ground for fungal infestation is created.
Get rid of rubbish and move furniture or decorations more often. This means the grass is not put under too much strain and the spread of fungi can be effectively counteracted.
Fungicide
Even with severe infestations, fungicides should be the last choice. There are currently no approved fungicides to specifically combat fungi on lawns. However, the agents for treating fungal infections on plants may be used.
Combined applications
For safe prevention and removal, you should combine the means and measures together. This means the chance of successful removal is significantly higher.
