The fast-growing Günsel - especially the Creeping Günsel (Ajuga reptans) - is often used as underplanting or for greening larger areas. However, the very assertive plants are less welcome in the lawn. However, with our tips you can stop the unwanted spread.
How do you effectively remove Günsel from the lawn?
To remove Günsel from the lawn, loosen the soil around the plant, dig out the roots with a digging fork and cut back dead parts of the plant. Mowing the lawn regularly can prevent future growth.
Contain the spread in a timely manner
Günsel is also popular because of its assertiveness; after all, the ground-covering plant displaces all weeds and makes the garden look more well-kept. However, this property is not only positive, because thanks to root runners and self-seeding, the plants also spread into regions where they are less welcome - for example in the lawn. Basically, the rule applies - as is so often the case - that prevention is better than cure, because once established, Günsel is very difficult to remove. This is mainly due to the fact that even the smallest pieces of roots can grow into new plants.
Appropriate control measures
Ergo, you should prevent the Günsel from spreading from the outset, as subsequent removal is more difficult to accomplish. There are several options available to you:
Finding
Since the roots of the Günsel are not underground but above ground, conventional root barriers are useless. Instead, you can frame the plants with a bed border that prevents the runners from spreading beyond the borders.
Tear out/cut out
Plants growing in undesirable places should also be removed as quickly as possible by tearing them out or cutting them out. However, you should proceed very carefully and eliminate all roots, otherwise the removal will only be short-lived. The best way to do this is to dig up the plant generously and, above all, make sure that the main root is dug out too.
pruning
Since the Günsel spreads not only through root runners, but also through self-sowing, you should prevent fruit and thus seed formation. The best way to do this is to cut back dead parts of the plant.
Removing Günsel from lawn
Despite all the precautionary measures, the Günsel sometimes still manages to get stuck in the grass. In this case, the only solution is to dig up the plants and their roots:
- First, loosen the soil surrounding the plant.
- Use a rake or cultivator for this (€668.00 on Amazon).
- Pull out the plant including its roots.
- Now dig up the main root with a digging fork.
Tip
In addition to regularly cutting back cheeky runners, regularly mowing the lawn also helps to keep unwanted weed growth at bay. The lawn should be kept as short as possible.
