Autumn is a crucial time for lawns to become more resilient before the frosty cold weather arrives, but moss can disrupt this process and leave the grass vulnerable. Moss is a sponge-like plant which smothers lawns while also absorbing the water and sunlight it needs in order to stay healthy at this time of year.
This can really damage grass as it needs to store nutrients now to have enough energy to survive winter; otherwise, a lawn can die off or become diseased. Removing moss can be a challenge in October as it thrives in cold and wet conditions, but Dan, from the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, has shared there is a simple way to kill it without harming a lawn. Dan said: “Iron compounds are effective moss killers and work quickly to stimulate grass growth. Sulphate of Iron comes in a handy 500 g pack. Mix it with water in a watering can, and apply. Over time, the moss will turn black and can be raked out of the lawn.”
Iron is needed for lawns to make chlorophyll, which is needed for photosynthesis and also gives grass its beautiful green colour.
It helps improve the nutrient uptake in lawns to give it the energy it needs in autumn without causing a growth surge, so the grass does not become overgrown.
Sulphate also aids in chlorophyll production but also helps lowers the pH level on a lawn, which makes it more difficult for moss to grow on it.
While iron sulphate can help a lawn it is toxic to moss, as it will draw moisture out of the plant and also make its environment much more acidic which stops it growing back.
How to stop moss from growing back on lawns
Before applying the iron sulphate, check the weather forecast to ensure no rain is expected that day, otherwise the product will wash off the grass.
How to stop moss from growing back on lawns
Before applying the iron sulphate, check the weather forecast to ensure no rain is expected that day, otherwise the product will wash off the grass.
Mix the iron sulphate with water, and follow the product label instructions for the exact measurements. Then, spray or pour the solution evenly on the lawn.
Within a few days, the moss should begin to turn brown, wilt and die off. However, it should be noted that moss is usually a sign a lawn is unhealthy as it can only survive in a really damp environment.
After removing the moss, it is recommended to scarify a lawn, which is the gardening method that removes decaying plant matter that tends to pile up over time on top of the grass.
It will also help to aerate grass, which is simply poking holes in the ground with a pitchfork to improve the drainage so moisture cannot build up. This will help keep your lawn as strong and green as possible before winter arrives.
Comments are closed.