As the UK approaches autumn, a time when weeds thrive and moss often prospers, lawns could use some extra attention. Kate Turner, gardening expert from Love The Garden, warns that weeds are a common annoyance in lawns, and moss growth is indicative of poor turf health due to various factors such as inadequate drainage, excessive shade, insufficient nutrients, overly short mowing, or frequent footfall.
She explained, “Moss in lawns is a sign that there is an underlying problem with the lawn. This can be caused by any of several factors, including poor drainage, shade, lack of fertiliser, [the] grass [being] cut too short or heavy foot traffic.”
Nonetheless, gardeners need not fret as there is a straightforward remedy for tackling both weeds and moss, which also helps prevent moss from making an unwelcome return – this involves scarifying your lawn. Scarification is a process designed to remove the thatch layer that accumulates over time between the soil and grass on a lawn.
Thatch consists of various organic materials, such as dead grass, plant roots, leaves, and other garden detritus, which can obstruct water, oxygen, and nutrients from penetrating the soil, leading to a host of lawn problems.
Thatch can cause a host of problems for your lawn, including poor drainage, hindered root growth, compacted soil, patchy grass, increased susceptibility to pests, and the unwelcome establishment of weeds and moss, reports the Express.
Scarifying removes debris from the grass -Credit:Getty
Scarifying your lawn is a simple task that involves raking over the grass in spring and autumn to remove excess thatch and help weed out unwanted plants.
Kate noted: “If the moss and weed problem is mild, it may be possible to get on top of it by simply scarifying and then improving the overall health of the lawn with regular lawn care to stop the moss and weeds from coming back.”
She added: “Always mow before scarifying and try not to be too vigorous in spring, only scarify until you can see soil underneath.”
Although scarifying can be effective, it does tear the grass plants, which can leave your lawn looking rather untidy. To remedy this, overseeding is recommended.
Overseeding involves spreading new grass seed over an existing lawn to enhance its health and appearance.
This method not only revitalises your lawn but also increases its density, filling in bare spots that could otherwise become havens for weeds and moss.
To overseed, simply hand-spread the seeds and rake them into the soil, ensuring they make good contact with the ground, which is essential for germination.
While covering the seeds with soil isn’t necessary, applying pressure to the seeds is crucial to ensure they adhere to the soil and germinate properly.
Once the seeds are embedded into the soil, it’s time for a gentle watering. It’s more beneficial to water lightly three or four times a day than to drench heavily once a day.
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