Lawn Problems - Lawn Tiger

Lawn Problem: Moss

What is MOSS?

Moss is a primitive green coloured plant that has no roots, branches or leaves and can easily grow on any damp surface. It reproduces easily by spreading microscopic spores. Moss loves a damp lawn and, if left untreated, can cover a lawn. Autumn to early

Why is moss bad for my lawn?

Moss has taken over this lawn with very little visible grass left.

HOW can I get rid of moss in my lawn?

We recommend you deal with the cause(s) of moss as well as the symptom (moss being present) to get the best from your lawn.

Common reasons for moss appearing in your lawn.

Reason	Solution
Shade	Cut back overhanging vegetation to get more sunlight to the lawn
Thatch buildup	Scarification and hollow tine aeration
Poor drainage	Aeration. Consider specialist land drains for problem lawns
Grass too short	Raise mower cut height
Poor air circulation	Remove objects that restrict airflow
Grass is patchy	Sow quality new seed to thicken up the lawn
Leaves on lawn	Ensure leaves are cleared regularly
Soil too acidic	Add regular granular lime to help adjust Ph
Low nutrition	Add the correct fertiliser to increase nutrition

We recommend applying a liquid iron (ferrous sulphate) spray or lawn sand. It’s a great way to limit any fresh moss growth and needs to be a routing part of your lawn care over Autumn/Winter. We prefer a high concentration liquid iron, with a wetting agent to draw the product into the moss. That is applied in our Autumn and Winter lawn treatments as it works faster and more consistently, limiting the spreading of moss. Products suitable for lawn moss treatments, applied in the correct way, will cause the moss to turn black, showing that it’s been dehydrated. You can then gently rake out the treated moss, otherwise new moss can easily grow on top of the dead moss.

Treated moss on a lawn in need of some TLC.

For widespread moss, we recommend using a scarifier machine that will more effectively remove the moss. You can then view the lawn and apply a further liquor iron or lawn sand application if moss lingers. You may find you need to repair bare areas with seed too, otherwise moss or weeds will fill those gaps.