Don't miss out!

Subscribe to our Free Newsletter and get the latest from Garden Help:

Gardening News
Great Competitions
Special Offers
Videos & Projects
Reviews

For a limited time we are also giving a FREE GIFT to every new subscriber. Sign up and receive your free copy of '12 Months in the Garden'


x

Garden Help
Sign Up
Diagnose plant problems and treat garden pests


Get Gardening Help!

Home > Question >

How can I get rid of black, disc-like lumps covering my lawn?


Our Advice:

This is lichen, which usually indicates heavy, poorly-drained soil. Apply lawn sand and spike the lawn in spring to a depth of 4-6in (10-15cm). Then feed in spring and autumn.

Gardening Expert:
Steve Bradley

Here are some related questions:



Not what you are looking for?


If you can't find what you are looking for on the website then you can ask one of our experts. To get in touch with us Click Here

We will try to get back to you with an answer as soon as we can.


Here is some more information for you:


Lawns: Overview

A lawn is an area of land covered with grass that is usually kept at a short height by mowing. Lawns are a common feature of residential and commercial landscapes, providing a soft, green carpet for outdoor activities and aesthetic appeal. They can also help to reduce soil erosion and provide a habitat for wildlife.

Lawns: Characteristics

Lawns are typically composed of grass species that are adapted to the local climate and growing conditions. They require regular maintenance, including mowing, fertilisation, watering, and weed control, to keep them healthy and attractive.

Lawns: Cultivation

The cultivation of a lawn begins with site preparation, which involves removing weeds, rocks, and other debris from the area. The soil is then amended with organic matter and fertiliser to provide the necessary nutrients for grass growth. Grass seed or sod is then planted and watered regularly until it is established. Once the lawn is established, regular maintenance is required to keep it healthy and attractive. This includes mowing, fertilisation, watering, and weed control.

Lawns: Uses

Lawns are primarily used for recreational purposes, providing a soft, safe surface for activities such as picnics, sports, and games. They also provide aesthetic appeal and can increase property value. Lawns can also help to reduce soil erosion and provide a habitat for wildlife. Some homeowners choose to incorporate other elements into their lawns, such as flower beds, shrubs, or trees, to add visual interest.

Lawns: Concerns

While lawns have many benefits, they can also pose environmental concerns. Lawns require significant amounts of water, fertiliser, and pesticides to maintain, which can lead to water pollution, soil degradation, and other environmental problems. In addition, the use of gas-powered mowers and other lawn equipment can contribute to air pollution. Some homeowners choose to reduce the environmental impact of their lawns by using organic lawn care methods, such as composting and natural pest control, or by replacing all or part of their lawns with alternative landscaping options, such as native plant gardens or vegetable gardens.

Lawns: Conclusion

Lawns are a common feature of residential and commercial landscapes, providing a soft, green carpet for outdoor activities and aesthetic appeal. While they require regular maintenance, including mowing, fertilisation, watering, and weed control, they can also provide many benefits, such as reducing soil erosion and providing a habitat for wildlife. However, they can also pose environmental concerns, which should be considered when planning and maintaining a lawn.

Did you find this answer useful? Subscribe to our newsletter for gardeing news, projects, special offers and competitions.

Ask another gardening question:




Learn More About Pests and Diseases


Angle shades moth
Anthracnose
Box blight
Box tree caterpillar
Canker - Bacterial
Canker - Bleeding
Canker - Fungal
Capsids
Centipedes
Chafer grubs
Coral spot
Cutworms
Earthworms
Earwigs
Eelworms (leaf & stem)
Eelworms (soil-borne)
Froghopper
Fuchsia gall mite
Garden Ants
Grey mould
Honey fungus
Leaf cutter bees
Leaf Rolling Caterpillars
Leaf spots - Fungal
Leatherjacket
Lily beetle
Mealy bugs
Mildew - Downy
Mildew - Powdery
Millipedes
Pear midge
Phytophthora root rot
Rose Black spot
Rusts
Sawfly - Berberis
Sawfly - Gooseberry
Scale insects
Sciarid flies
Slugs
Snails
Sooty moulds
Thrips
Vine weevil
Whitefly
Wireworms
Woodlice
Woolly aphid

Latest Gardening & Horticultural Careers


Explore Gardens from Around the World


/

Majorelle Garden
Marrakesh, Morocco

/

Desert Botanical Garden
Phoenix, Arizona, USA

/

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Richmond, United Kingdom

/

RHS Garden, Wisley
Woking, United Kingdom

/

Rio de Janeiro Botanical Gardens
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil



Garden Deals & Offers

17% Off: Chicago Balcony Set
17% Off: Chicago Balcony Set
Save &pound100.00: St.Ives Luxury Corner Set 4pc
Save £100.00: St.Ives Luxury Corner Set 4pc
Save &pound70.00: Lifetime Vertical Litre Storage Shed
Save £70.00: Lifetime Vertical Litre Storage Shed
Save 20%: Argos Home Trolley Charcoal BBQ
Save 20%: Argos Home Trolley Charcoal BBQ

Watch a Video!

How the Professionals Root Cuttings (RHS Hyde Hall)
How the Professionals Root Cuttings (RHS Hyde Hall)
Visiting Mr Fothergill
Visiting Mr Fothergill's Trial Day
Why are there brown / black marks on my Hellebores?
Why are there brown / black marks on my Hellebores?
Grow Your Own Cut Flowers (Zinnias)
Grow Your Own Cut Flowers (Zinnias)
Pruning a Rose Bush
Pruning a Rose Bush
Maintaining an Established Garden & Growing Plants in Shade
Maintaining an Established Garden & Growing Plants in Shade