Why does moss grow in the lawn and what can I do about it?

Moss in the lawn is caused by various factors. To get rid of it in the long term, it is important to find and eliminate the cause.

Here are the most common reasons and tips for solving them:

1. Nutrient deficiency
   Your lawn needs sufficient nutrients, especially nitrogen. Fertilize regularly every 6-8 weeks so that your lawn grows strong and dense.
   

2. Heavy soil and waterlogging
   Moss grows where the soil is too dense and heavy or where water accumulates. If your soil hardly lets any air through (e.g. clay soil), it is important to loosen it by aerating it 1-2 times a year. It also helps to sand the lawn regularly. Spread 0.5-2 liters of sand per square meter. This improves the permeability for water and air and creates optimal conditions for your lawn.
   

3. Wrong seeds
   Is your lawn mainly in the shade? Use a special shade lawn mixture.
   

4. Too little light
   Hedges and trees often cast too much shade. Cut them back to provide your lawn with more light.
   

5. Acidic soil
   If the pH value of your soil is below 5.5, it is too acidic. Lime helps to bring the pH value to an optimum level of 6.5-7.
   
   

6. Incorrect lawn care
   Moss can develop if the lawn is mowed too infrequently, too deeply or with blunt blades. Ideally, mow your lawn 1-2 times a week. More frequent mowing promotes dense growth, which gives moss less room to take root. It also helps to regularly aerate, groom or brush the lawn to prevent moss infestation.

Before you tackle moss, first find and eliminate the cause so that it doesn't keep coming back. You can then remove the moss mechanically, for example by scarifying. Important: Sow immediately after scarifying to close the resulting gaps. This will allow your lawn to grow thick again and prevent new moss infestations.