Liverworts in the Lawn after stump grinding: What They’re Really Telling You
If you've noticed liverworts—those flat, shiny brown cakes—spreading across your lawn, you're not just looking at an unusual plant. You're looking at evidence.
And the evidence indicates they're underground
Why Liverworts Appear It's worth noting that these fungi grow only on living wood, on older trees, at the base of the trunk and close to the roots. And like all fungi, they thrive in moisture and rotting organic matter.
When they appear in your lawn, they're not a problem—they're a symptom.
1. Thick, living roots undergroundThis is the heading
Even after the tree is removed, some of the root system may remain alive. These roots compete with the lawn for water and nutrients, depleting it. The grass lacks nutrients and dies.
2. Acidic Soil.
Liverworts in the lawn indicate insufficient aeration, high humidity, and compacted soil, which leads to acidification. Acidic soil hinders grass growth, but liverworts thrive in it. Therefore, when the grass thins and liverworts proliferate, it's a clear sign that the soil pH has dropped too much.
Why Grass Won't Grow There
- Grass needs:
- Oxygen
- Balanced pH
- Loose, nutrient-rich soil
To restore your lawn, you need to eliminate the causes of liverworts:
Remove or shred any remaining root mass. This isn't necessary and doesn't guarantee a complete elimination of the fungus problem in your lawn, but it will definitely speed up their disappearance.
