When you're striving to achieve a perfect, mess-free lawn, the last thing you want to see are worm casts popping up all over the place. Today we take a closer look at what worm casts are, where they come from and how you can get rid of them.
What are worm casts?
Worm casts are a sign of earthworm activity, they're little heaps of soil that get ejected onto the surface of your lawn out of the worm's digestive tract. While worm casts might seem like an unwelcome addition to your lawn, they're actually perfectly normal and can indicate that your lawn is nice and healthy. Earthworms are beneficial for your soil and also provide a tasty snack for garden birds.
Why is my lawn suddenly covered in worm casts?
If you've noticed a sudden influx in the number of worm casts on your lawn, it's probably due to a change in weather. Earthworms thrive in damp weather which is why your lawn might be covered in worm casts during autumn and damp winter months. It's common for you to notice more worm casts covering your lawn in the mornings as worms are most active at night. The ground at night is cooler, damper and the worms can feed on the surface without worrying about predation from birds and other animals.
Positives of worm casts in your lawn
While you might consider the worms in your lawn to be pests, they're actually quite good for your soil (as long as there aren't too many of them!) As earthworms munch their way through your soil they loosen thatch forming in the grass and they help to break down organic material, providing nutrients to the soil.
The movement of earthworms through the soil also aerates the soil, loosens compacted dirt and can help key elements like food, water and air circulate around the roots of your grass.
What if I don't want my lawn to be covered in worm casts?
There are definitely some benefits to having worms in your lawn, but we understand that some gardeners strive fo a really pristine look - which means the worm casts have to go!
One of the quickest and easiest ways to get rid of worm casts is to use a brush or dense rake to brush the dirt back over the lawn. When you mow the lawn, the worm casts will be pressed down into the soil again.
Applying topsoil to a lawn that's been damaged by worm casts can help to level out any irregular lumps and bumps. A good layer of topsoil will also help to revive plants that have withered around the worm casts, so don't miss this step in your lawn care routine.
Lawn maintenance is the key to reducing worm casts.
The most efficient way to prevent worm casts from covering your lawn is to keep your lawn well-maintained all year round with a proper lawn care programme. Think about it, worms favour grass that's compacted and waterlogged. If you keep your lawn in good condition, earthworms are much less likely to infest it!
Here at Lawn and Weed Expert, we can offer you a range of services to keep your lawn in tip-top condition, including a regular maintenance program. From, weed control, to lawn fertilising and scarification, our team can do it. We even provide a range of pest control services to help you keep critters like earthworms, leatherjackets and moles at bay. Learn more about our pest control services below.
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If you've had enough of your lawn being covered in worm casts, and you'd like us to attend your property for a FREE, no-obligation survey, fill in the form below and a member of our team will get back to you.
