What is a responsible way to get rid of invasive ferns in your lawn?
Question:
What is a responsible way to get rid of invasive ferns in your lawn?
Answer:
Rebecca Long, Sustainable Agriculture and Horticulture Professional
I suspect the reason you have ferns and Canada-mayflower, Maianthemum canadense (which is actually native to Maine and therefore beneficial for pollinators and wildlife!) encroaching on your lawn is a combination of things; the proximity of your lawn to forest, soil conditions, and possibly also shade from nearby trees.
The easiest thing to address is soil conditions: take a soil test and follow the directions for adjusting pH and fertility. This won’t get rid of the ferns and other broadleaf species but it will help the grass compete better. Grass requires more specific conditions to thrive while these other plants are better adapted to our native soil conditions. You could also reseed with species that are better adapted to the conditions, tall and fine fescue are both better for shade and drought conditions than the grasses available in common mixes.
Checkout our lawn publications for more lawn tips!
Bulletin #2243: Maintaining a Home Lawn in Maine
Bulletin #2166: Steps to a Low-Input, Healthy Lawn