Whether lime helps against moss and clover in the lawn depends on the respective cause. We reveal the advantages and disadvantages of the maintenance measure here.
In a nutshell
- acidic soil favors moss
- Lime can help against the growths
- Identifying the cause is required as a first step
- Deployment should be done at the right time
- even distribution and good watering are crucial
PH value
Before lime is used on the lawn, the pH value of the soil should be determined. The test required for this can be carried out independently. However, it is also possible to take a sample of the soil and have it examined, for example, in a hardware store with a garden center or a nursery.
Of course, you should first ask whether this service is offered. If the test is to be carried out yourself, test strips can also be purchased in hardware stores or online. A test device is an alternative. These are already offered very cheaply and can also be used for indoor plants, for example.
Tip: The pH of the lawn soil should be between 5.5 and 7.5. As a result, the substrate is slightly acidic to neutral. If the value falls below or rises above it, appropriate measures are required.
mosses
Moss thrives best when the following criteria are met:
- Soil slightly acidic to acidic
- little light
- lack of nutrients in the substrate
The advantage of this is that the number of reasons is manageable, making it easy to find the cause of the spread. A test and checking the location are enough to find the trigger.
If the pH value is below 5.5, applying lime can quickly remedy the situation. Fertilizing or creating better lighting is advisable in other cases.
liming
If moss has spread on the lawn and the pH value is too low, lime can be used to neutralize it. However, a few factors are crucial. These are:
- even distribution
- correct dosage
- adequate watering after application
- take care of your own safety
To achieve this, the following steps are required:
- To ensure your own safety, goggles and a face mask should be worn. This prevents the lime from getting into the eyes or respiratory tract.
- Liming should be done when the lawn has not just been fertilized or will be fertilized soon.
- Ideally, the lawn is scarified before applying the lime, so that better penetration is possible.
- The distribution can be done evenly with a spreader. In addition, the effort, especially in terms of time, is very low. The output should be set to dispense 150 to 200 grams per square meter.
- After the distribution, the area must be well watered. This will avoid chemical burns on the roots.
Tip: Once the procedure has been carried out, another pH test is recommended in order to apply more lime if necessary and achieve the desired result.
clover
In contrast to moss, clover varieties thrive primarily on alkaline soils. Liming the surface is therefore not recommended. However, a pH test must also be carried out so that appropriate countermeasures can be taken.
If the value is too high, it is necessary to acidify the soil. The following tools are recommended for this:
- oak leaf compost
- iron sulfate
- coffee grounds
- rainwater
- sulfur
- grape pomace
- peat
Tip: Appropriate fertilizers and avoiding hard tap water can prevent a too high pH value and thus clover.
Prevention and Removal
Whether the lawn appears unsightly due to moss or clover, the unwanted plants cannot be removed by liming or fertilizing. Only the further spread can be prevented. However, there are appropriate measures that can prevent them.
- Testing: Regular analyzes make it possible to counteract problems quickly.
- Mowing: Frequent mowing ensures that the grass plants branch out and grow denser. As a result, moss and weeds have less chance of spreading.
- Scarify: Removing thatch aerates the soil, improves nutrient and water penetration, and can prevent waterlogging.
- Fertilize: The stronger the grass plants are, the better they can assert themselves against other plants. Adapted fertilization therefore has a preventive effect against spreading.
Tip: Choosing a hardy type of lawn and preparing the substrate beforehand also helps to keep mosses, clover and weeds away.
fertilize lawn
frequently asked Questions
What lime should be used on lawns?Special lawn lime or garden lime are suitable for increasing the pH value. In any case, it is important to pay attention to the information provided by the manufacturer.
Can the lawn be walked on after liming?Entering should be avoided to avoid irritation or even chemical burns. Pets are also to be prevented from playing or even rolling on the lawn. After several waterings and about a week, normal use is possible again.
Does it make sense to mow the lawn before liming it?Yes, mowing the lawn beforehand is recommended. This also applies to fertilizing or acidifying the soil. The respective means can thus penetrate more easily into the ground.