How to tackle moss in your lawn

Moss often appears in your garden unexpectedly, and when it shows its face, most people are unaware of how to tackle moss and get rid of it. Below, we look at the best ways to control moss and when to use weed, feed & moss killer.

What is moss?

First, it’s good to know what you’re dealing with before launching into action. So, what exactly is moss? Moss is a very small nonflowering plant; despite popular belief, it’s not a fungus. Unlike most plants, mosses don’t have a root system and can’t transport water internally, so they don’t grow tall. This pesky plant also releases spores in April and September, so tackling the problem before then is a good idea to stop it from spreading.

Why is it on my lawn?

Contrary to what many people think, moss doesn’t kill off the grass; its appearance usually signifies that conditions aren’t ideal for grass growth and that seeds sown have failed for one reason or another. Moss thrives in damp and shaded areas, so try to keep your lawn as well-drained and free from the shade as possible or use a seed mix that can better withstand drought or flooding.

How do I protect my lawn from moss?

As mentioned above, good drainage, the right fertiliser and the correct seed mix will go a long way in reducing the chance of moss becoming a problem in your lawn. Applying fertiliser in autumn and spring will strengthen your lawn all year round and fend off moss throughout the colder, wetter months. Drainage can be difficult to control; the main practice you should maintain is aerating the ground. This allows water and oxygen to travel freely and reduces compaction, which means fewer waterlogged areas and, hopefully, fewer areas with a moss-friendly climate. If your soil is mainly sandy or clay-based, you may need to use grass varieties that suit this environment.

How do I get rid of moss?

Sometimes despite your best efforts, there’s no stopping moss, but there are ways to fight back, and it’s best to do this sooner rather than later. There are different methods you can take, whether your lawn is new or established. 

New Lawn (under six months old)

Avoid using a moss-killer product on a new lawn less than six months old. Instead, scarify the area to loosen up moss and remove it. You should aim to reseed these areas once the moss is removed to ensure a dense sward that leaves little room for moss to move in. 

Established Lawn (6 months + old)

Use our Feed, Weed and Moss Killer on the area as soon as possible to stop the spores from spreading and affecting a larger area. This lawn food works over the course of two weeks to eradicate weeds and moss - where it is particularly prevalent, patches will appear, and these will need to be seeded. Since it is a granular fertiliser and needs to be watered in after application. And it feeds your lawn and makes your grass vibrantly green and lush. 

Once your lawn has recovered, follow our lawn care checklist to reduce the chance of the ghastly greenery returning.