Controlling Moss In Lawns

Moss is a very common occurrence in many lawns. It often grows on turf when grass growth is slow, the soil is damp, or there are humid conditions. If your lawn has excessive amounts of thatch, this can also provide the perfect, damp conditions for moss to thrive in. As well as all these reasons for moss to grow, it is also often a sign that the grass is not as healthy as it should be. Moss is a great indicator of the following issues:

• Nutrient levels in the soil are low
• Soil has been compacted and lacks organic matter
• The grass may have been cut too short, scalping it and exposing bare earth 
• Ground remains wet for long periods
• The area where moss is present may be in a shaded location and not get regular sunlight
• Poor air flow around the lawn
  

At A1 Lawn, we have a range of different products that are ideal for controlling moss in lawns. We offer both granules (can be applied through a granule spreader) and liquid (suitable to be applied through a sprayer or watering can) treatments.

Many of our moss control products, such as Maxicrop Moss Killer and Lawn Conditioner, contain fertilisers or seaweed extracts that help to encourage new grass growth in areas where the moss has been killed and removed.

One of our most popular options is the A1 Lawn Double Strength Feed, Weed & Moss Killer. Not only does this deal with the moss within your lawn, but it is also a 3in1 feed, weed and moss control product. This means that as well as controlling moss, the product also fertilises the lawn and controls common lawn weeds that may be present at the time of application.

When it comes to applying your chosen moss control product, it is essential that you have the correct piece of equipment. 

If you have a granular solution, it is recommended that you apply these using a granule spreader like the Handheld Spreader. This is recommended as it allows you to get an even coverage of product over the areas that need it, and you won't run the risk of overdosing on certain areas, which is very easy to do if you are just scattering the granules by hand.

When using a liquid form of moss contro,l we would recommend that you use a sprayer or a watering can. It is important to take note of the dilution rates as these products will need mixing with water before use (all dilution rates are stated in the application tab on our website and will also be displayed on the product label). 

Moss killer, if used in excess, can scorch your grass.  

Some chemical moss killers contain herbicides that may be more aggressive and could damage grass if not used carefully. Always check the product label and follow the instructions closely.

To avoid harming your lawn, consider using a gentler, more natural approach, such as improving drainage, aerating the soil, and encouraging healthy grass growth to outcompete moss. You can also use A1 Lawn Double Strength Feed, Weed & Moss Killer, a multi-purpose treatment that not only removes weeds and moss but also provides essential feeds and nutrients to strengthen your grass.

There are two great time frames for managing moss in your lawn: early Spring (March-April) & Autumn (September-October) 

Spring is the ideal time for tackling moss after the damp conditions of winter have encouraged growth. Applying moss killer early will allow grass to recover and grow quicker as it gets warmer. To encourage thick and healthy grass follow up your moss treatment with scarifying and overseeding any bald patches.

Autumn is a great time to remove moss before winter, especially if the lawn has been compacted over summer, as aeration, scarifying, and applying moss control help prepare it for a healthier spring, while overseeding after moss removal ensures stronger grass growth before the colder months.

Moss killer works by targeting the moss and either drying it out, damaging it, or stopping it from growing. Most moss killers contain ingredients like iron sulphate, which turns the moss black and kills it by depriving it of nutrients. Some products use herbicides that specifically target moss without affecting other plants, though they need to be used carefully. There are also natural options that draw moisture out of the moss, causing it to dry up and die. Once the moss is dead, it usually turns brown or black and can be raked out, allowing your grass to grow back strong and healthy.

In case you have any other questions or concerns or are looking for additional lawn advice, please browse our handy guides section or get in touch with our friendly team of experts. We are more than happy to provide as much information as you need to achieve your lawn goals. You can contact us by phone on 0800 4118141 or by email at sales@a1lawn.co.uk.