April 29, 2026, 2:52 pm | Read time: 6 minutes

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What weeds grow in my lawn?

For some, it’s annoying weeds; for others, it’s wild herbs that help insects. However, if you want to curb the wild growth, you should first know what you’re dealing with. The following lawn weeds are particularly common in this country:

• Ground elder
• Quackgrass
• Mosses
• Daisies
• Creeping buttercup
• Plantain
• Dandelion
• Speedwell
• Yarrow
• Clover
• Lady’s mantle
• Chickweed
• Bugleweed

Related: Do these home remedies really help against weeds?

How can you prevent weeds in the lawn?

Consistency is key in lawn care, says Dr. Harald Nonn from the German Lawn Society (DRG) when asked by myHOMEBOOK. Basic care steps include:

• Mowing
• Fertilizing
• Watering
• Scarifying
• Aerating
• Removing weeds and moss

What matters when mowing the lawn

Proper lawn care starts with mowing: Many make the mistake of cutting the grass too short. While this might save you some work because you need to mow less often, it also invites moss, clover, buttercup, ground elder, or quackgrass to spread and displace the grass blades. Additionally, many weeds grow so low that the lawnmower doesn’t affect them.

Tip: Mowing the lawn to a height of three and a half to five centimeters allows the blades to cast enough shade to inhibit the germination of weeds. Learn about other common mowing mistakes here.

Additionally, “Regular mowing promotes lawn density,” says the expert. The grasses will develop new side shoots, leaves, and runners. This gives wild herbs less chance to spread.

An extra tip from the pro on mulching: Lawn mulching with your own clippings serves as a natural fertilizer. The nutrients can return to the soil as they decompose, strengthening the lawn. This protects against drying out and promotes healthy soil life. Nonn emphasizes: “The lawn should be as dry as possible for this. Also, the clippings should not be too long and should be evenly distributed over the area.”

Which fertilizer is best to strengthen the lawn?

If lawns suffer from nutrient deficiency, weeds have an easy time. Without nourishment, the lawn is weakened–much like a hobby gardener. According to Nonn, the most important nutrients for the lawn are:

• Nitrogen: improves growth, contributes to better greening
• Phosphorus: promotes root growth (energy carrier)
• Potassium: strengthens the plants’ resilience (against drought, cold, diseases)

It’s also crucial that the nutrients are provided in the right form and amount. Nonn points to special long-term lawn fertilizers. Long-term lawn fertilizers or organic-mineral lawn fertilizers. Additionally, “Agricultural or horticultural fertilizers have the wrong nutrient composition for the needs of the lawn.” Organic fertilizers are also unsuitable, according to the lawn expert. “They have too low nutrient content, and their effect is not controllable.”

Watering the lawn sufficiently

“Lawn grasses consist of almost 80 percent water,” informs Nonn. Therefore, the rule for a healthy, strong lawn is: “Go big, not small.” In dry conditions, water the lawn thoroughly once or twice a week. The best times are morning and evening to avoid burning the grass blades.

Expert’s extra tip: “Remember that grasses under trees need water more frequently.”

Does scarifying help against weeds in the lawn?

Mossy lawns are often a sign of too much soil moisture. To counteract this, it’s advisable to scarify the grass at least once a year. Ideally, clear the lawn of so-called thatch in the fall and spring so that the grass roots can better absorb water, air, and essential nutrients.

Reseed bare spots and fill larger holes with sand or potting soil. This ensures even growth and also attracts earthworms, which loosen the soil. Even in shady areas, weeds will no longer feel comfortable.

Tip: Trim adjacent hedges, trees, and shrubs so that enough light falls on the lawn. Learn how to trim hedges and when it’s allowed here.

Lawn wellness–proper aeration

“When aerating, rotating tines comb through the space between the lawn plants,” explains the expert. This additional care step is not a must but benefits the lawn. The airier turf allows nutrients and water to reach the roots more effectively. “It’s recommended to aerate especially before fertilizing and during the summer season when the lawn needs water.”

More on the topic

Frequently Asked Should you scarify lawn in the fall? A professional explains

Expert Explains When It’s Worth Sanding Your Lawn

How to get rid of clover in the lawn

Every soil is different, and even the most well-maintained lawn is not immune to weed infestation. While moss can usually be easily removed by weeding, digging, or scarifying, getting rid of clover in the lawn is a bit more challenging. The stubborn wild growth often requires a lot of effort and painstaking work to remove.

Tip: As with moss removal, start by tackling clover with a scarifier or lawn rake. It’s important to address the root of the problem, not just cut it off superficially. A weed puller is particularly effective for removing the entire weed plant from the ground. Afterward, fertilize the lawn well.

Removing weeds

Proper care is essential to prevent weeds and moss in the lawn. It’s also important to identify the causes of moss and weeds specifically.

Moss

Moss arises from factors such as mowing too low and nutrient deficiency. Shade and waterlogging can also be possible causes. To eliminate it, adjust the mowing height and apply the right fertilization. Additionally, improving the soil can help.

Weeds

Wild herbs typically grow in sparse or poorly fertilized lawns. A dense turf is essential to prevent and eliminate weeds. Manual removal of the herbs, such as with special weed pullers, is also recommended. For severe infestations, scarifying and reseeding are advisable.