If groundworm forms in the lawn, it multiplies quickly. The perennial weed actually looks quite pretty with its purple flowers. The edible plant also has healing effects. However, Gundermann is often a thorn in the side of lawn owners. It hinders grass growth and can take over large areas of lawns.
Gundermann is difficult to fight. However, it is possible to prevent the weed from appearing and to permanently remove Gundermann from the lawn. You can get tips in this post.
What causes Gundermann man in the lawn? Problems at a glance
Gundermann (Glechoma hederacea) does not place any conditions on the location. The weed can therefore appear and spread in a wide variety of locations. The plant that forms runners poses a problem for your own lawn. Not only does it deprive the lawn of important nutrients, it also causes an acute lack of light. Where that weed grows, it remains dark for the small blades of grass due to the high and widespread growth. In the long term, this leads to holes forming in the lawn because growth cannot take place in the dark.
However, Gundermann is also problematic because it promotes fungi and bacteria. This also affects the surrounding nature and can permanently damage the lawn.
Finally, Gundermann even removes water from the lawn. Water is a rare commodity, especially during hot periods. If the unwanted weeds then remove it, parts of the lawn could dry out. Burnt spots in the lawn are not uncommon there.
How can Gundermann’s disease be prevented?
There are a few things you can do to prevent Gundermann infestation Lawn care to be noted. The causes that are responsible for the development of groundworm give us clues as to what we can do preventatively against the weed.
Ensure the lawn’s nutrient needs
First and foremost, regular fertilization helps prevent groundworm and other types of weeds. There would be no space for weeds to grow. The emergence of weeds is usually due to a lack of nutrients in the soil. Blades of grass need nutrients to grow. If there are not enough of these, the lawn grows slower or stagnates. It’s different with weeds. It does not require nutrients to grow. Where nutrients are abundant, weeds usually do not appear because the existing lawn already develops and completely takes over the space. However, space has now become free and the Gundermann can spread.
Guarantee light and oxygen supply to the blades of grass
Allowing the lawn to grow tall can cause groundworm to spread. The reason for this is that a lawn that is too high hinders the growth of new shoots. The blades of grass cover the new shoots, which means the seedlings sit in the dark. This hinders their growth and can prevent them from growing at all. To prevent Gundermann, the lawn should always be cut to a maximum height of five centimeters. This guarantees that the seedlings can grow in the light.
A lack of oxygen can also promote the development of Gundermann’s disease. Such a defect can arise when lawn clippings remain on the grass. This creates nitrogen, which creates a perfect soil for Gundermann to grow. In addition, waterlogging can occur, which could lead to rot of the lawn.
Do not scarify the lawn
Scarifying the lawn is a popular care step to make the soil more permeable and ensure loose soil. This promotes growth and is a suitable care step before Mow the lawn. However, if Gundermann is in the lawn or there is a danger, the lawn should under no circumstances be scarified.
The reason for this is logical: weeds spread more easily in loose soil conditions. A compacted soil could prevent the growth of Gundermann for reasons of space.
How is Gundermann in the lawn permanently removed?
If Gundermann is found in the lawn, there are only a few ways to permanently remove it. The earlier countermeasures against the weeds are taken, the higher the chance of success. In order to remove Gundermann from the lawn in the long term, it is not enough to cut off the leaves and shoots of the plant above the ground. The entire root ball must be completely removed. The following methods are available for this:
Remove Gundermann with a pickaxe
The most effective method to remove Gundermann involves a pickaxe. With this method, the entire root of the weed is lifted out manually. It is important that all parts of the plant are caught. Even the smallest root can provide a new breeding ground for the plant. When manually removing Gundermann, the mother plant should always be located and torn out.
For easier removal, the plant should always be lifted in the direction of growth. As an alternative to a pickaxe, a weed cutter can also be helpful in combating groundworm.
Use chemical weed killer
Another way to remove Gundermann is to use a chemical weed killer. The product is applied directly to the lawn. The disadvantage: The chemical substances not only harm Gundermann, but also the lawn and the soil. At the same time, the chances of success are significantly lower than is the case when tearing out the root ball. Larger plants are destroyed, but their offshoots continue to grow unhindered.
The use of chemical weed killers is therefore usually only a short-term solution against the spread, but is beneficial as a supplementary step in the fight against groundworm.
Apply nutrients to the lawn
Nutrients fuel the growth of the lawn and thus limit the area over which groundworm can spread. Regular fertilization of the lawn can curb Gundermann infestation in the long term. However, it is important to supply the nutrients that do not have a positive effect on the growth of Gundermann. For example, Gundermann prefers nitrogen-rich soil conditions.
The pH value of the soil serves as a benchmark to guarantee the perfect nutrient composition. Against Gundermann, the pH value should be between 6 and 7.
Conclusion: Healthy soil conditions protect against Gundermann
A dense turf, nutrient-rich soil and oxygen-rich soil conditions support healthy lawn growth. Weeds always establish themselves when there is a deficiency. To prevent Gundermann, the lawn should always be inspected for defects and these should be remedied as quickly as possible. At the same time, the hardest way is also the best way to contain the spread of Gundermann. If you completely remove the root ball, you can combat Gundermann particularly effectively.
