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The fast-growing bugle - especially the creeping bugle (Ajuga reptans) - is very popular as a shrub underplanting or for greening larger areas. In the lawn, however, the very assertive plants are less welcome. However, with our tips you can stop the unwanted spread.
Removing bugs from the lawn is not easy
contain the spread in good time
Günsel is also popular because of its assertiveness, after all the ground-covering plant displaces all weeds and thus makes the garden look neater. However, this property is not only positive, because the plants spread thanks to root suckers and self-seeding in regions where they are less welcome - for example in the lawn. Basically, the rule applies - as so often - that prevention is better than cure, because Günsel, once established, is very difficult to remove again. This is mainly due to the fact that new plants can grow from even the smallest bits of root.
Appropriate countermeasures
Ergo, you should prevent the bug from spreading from the outset, as subsequent removal is more difficult to accomplish. You have several options for doing this:
surround
Since the root spurs of Günsel do not run underground but above ground, conventional root barriers are useless. Instead, however, you can frame the plants with a border that prevents the runners from spreading beyond the borders.
Tearing out / cutting out
Plants growing in unwanted places should also be removed as quickly as possible by tearing out or cutting out. However, you should proceed very carefully and eliminate all roots as well, otherwise the removal will only be short-lived. To do this, it is best to dig up the plant generously and make sure that the main root is also dug up.
pruning
However, since the Günsel not only spreads through root suckers, but also through self-sowing, you should forestall fruit and thus seed formation. The best way to do this is to cut back faded parts of the plant.
Remove buggies from lawn
Despite all the precautionary measures, the bugle sometimes still manages to get stuck in the lawn. In this case, the only thing that helps is digging up the plants and their roots:
- First, loosen the soil surrounding the plant.
- Use a rake or a cultivator for this.
- Pull out the plant along with its roots.
- Now dig out the main root with a digging fork.
tips
In addition to the regular cutting back of cheeky runners, regular mowing of the lawn also helps to hold back unwanted bug growth. The lawn should be kept as short as possible.