Is your lawn thin?
Is your lawn ‘marshy’?
Do you see a dark green-black slimy layer in your lawn?
Do you see short green fuzzy plants in your lawn?
If you answer yes to the above questions, you have moss or algae growing in your lawn.

What to do about algae and moss in your lawn?

A thick, healthy lawn will not allow algae or moss to form because the sward keeps most of the light needed for the algae and moss growth from reaching the soil surface, where these primitive plants live. If your lawn is thin you might need to solve this problem or replace it with good quality turf. In the event that your lawn does not need to be replaced, then improving the growing conditions will help reduce both algae and moss.

Lawn moss treatment in 4 steps

1. Aerate the lawn in autumn by spiking holes in the soil at regular intervals. For small gardens you can do this using a garden fork by pushing it in as far as possible and then removing it. For large areas it’s easier to use a mechanical aerator.
2. Re-seed sparse or bare patches of lawn. Shady areas of your lawn are always going to be more prone to moss so for these areas use grass seed mixes especially designed for shade.
3. After aerating and re-seeding the lawn, brush in a lawn top dressing. You can buy pre-prepared top dressing from garden centres or make up your own mix using three parts loam, six parts sharp sand and one-part multipurpose compost. Spread it evenly over the lawn using a firm garden brush to work it in.
4. When mowing, take care not to cut the grass too short as this will stress the grass reducing its vigour and encouraging moss.
5. If shade is an issue cut back any branches or shrubs that are overhanging the lawn and use a shady lawn seed mix.

Moss in lawns doesn’t need to be a problem. With a little care and attention, you can turn a mossy lawn into beautiful green turf to be proud of.

TIPS ON USING MOSS KILLER

Moss killer can be applied either by hand or by using a manual spreader that can be pushed over the lawn. Chemical moss killers affect soil acidity levels, so it’s important to apply moss killer evenly across the whole lawn, not just in problem areas otherwise the lawn may grow back patchy and discoloured.

ALWAYS READ the manufacturer’s instructions before applying moss killer, and use only at the concentrations specified because applying too much moss killer is likely to damage or even kill the grass.

Moss killer should be applied in fine weather but, again, always check the manufacturer’s instructions as some products require watering to activate.

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