If you don't take care of your lawn, weeds such as clover and dandelions will quickly spread. Although the colorful flowers in the green can look nice at first, it can be extremely tedious and time-consuming to remove the weeds again. A sufficient supply of fertilizer is also helpful in the fight against wild plants that invade the lawn.
A lack of nutrients encourages weed growth
A lack of nutrients promotes weeds in the lawn
The most common cause of weeds that settle in the lawn is a lack of nutrients. The reason: unlike many weeds, grass has a very high nutrient requirement that has to be met. If there is no regular fertilization, the stalks become weaker and weaker, the compacting effect of the grass roots decreases and weed seeds can sprout.
In the increasing competition for nutrients, the grasses are defeated. This is particularly visible in summer, when the lawn is already suffering from drought. Clover then quickly becomes a problem, as it copes very well with a lack of water and can produce its own nitrogen through nodule bacteria.
Fertilize the lawn properly
You can effectively prevent weeds by fertilizing. You should proceed as follows:
- Have a soil analysis done every three to four years. This way you know which nutrients are missing and can fertilize as needed.
- Distribute nutrients evenly throughout the year. Most slow-release fertilizers work for three months.
- Give preference to organo-mineral fertilizers as they are better for the environment.
- The first fertilization takes place after the first mowing.
- In June, when the grasses have had their strongest growth phase, they are fertilized.
- Another application of fertilizer can follow in August on stressed areas.
- Autumn fertilization increases frost hardiness. To do this, use special autumn lawn fertilizer that strengthens the cell walls of the grass.
- Always spread the fertilizer with a spreader. This ensures that the preparation is applied evenly.
It is essential to avoid driving errors with the fertilizer wagon. The strips should not overlap and there should be no gaps between the strips. Over-fertilization turns the lawn yellow and damages the grass, which in turn promotes the spread of weeds.
tips
Even cheap and low-quality seed tends to become weedy. Such mixtures are often interspersed with weed seeds in advance. Therefore, always pay attention to high-quality lawn mixtures when planting and reseeding.