Weeds, such as dandelions and thistles and weed grasses may impair the appearance and use of your lawn. As they are unable to withstand frequent mowing, this is one way of reducing them. However, the most environmentally friendly form of combating weeds is to dig them out. If the lawn has bare patches, weeds are likely to take root, so resow these regularly. In contrast, weeds do not stand much chance on a healthy well-cared for lawn.
Moss does not drive out the grass, but establishes itself where grass no longer grows. Moss herbicide is therefore not a solution. Moss benefits from lawns that are cut too short and by weakened grass. Improvements can be made, however, by raising the cutting height and through good fertilisation. If moss infestation is due to the soil being too moist or due to too much shade, the long-term measures of targeted fertilisation, soil improvement and resowing with a good grass seed mixture must be taken. The soil under a moss-infested area is often too acidic. This over-acidification arises due to water-logged, compacted soil conditions, with an absence of air. Good drainage is necessary as just spreading lime will not remove the moss.
There are many fungi that can infect the lawn, but only a few are really damaging (e.g. snow mould). They occur with unfavourable conditions: very dense grass, thick lawn thatch, high humidity, too low or too high pH values, over fertilisation or a thick covering of leaves in winter. Well regenerated, well cared-for lawns are fairly fungus resistant. If fungal diseases do occur, immediately seek expert advice.
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