Moss can pose a significant challenge to lawn care, as it severely impacts the health of the grass. It often thrives in damp, shaded conditions where grass struggles to grow. To combat this, most people opt for fertilisers to revive their lawn. While this works during the spring and summer months, most types are ineffective during colder periods due to low ground and air temperatures.
For those seeking ways to enhance their lawns during winter, gardening experts at Lawn Smiths suggest an excellent alternative – ferrous sulphate, also known as iron sulphate. To maintain a pristine lawn throughout the year, the professionals stress the importance of applying iron sulphate, even during winter.
Why you should use iron sulphate
The experts stated: “Ferrous sulphate is great for grass. From greening in the summer to protecting in the winter and killing moss in spring, it’s the perfect lawn treatment.
“Iron sulphate provides a wonderful deep green colour without necessitating extra mowing. It also helps keep the grass healthy throughout the cooler months.”
This product replenishes the soil with nutrients during or after winter. Gardeners can purchase iron sulphate from various online stores and brands. The Pro-Kleen Iron Sulphate is available on Amazon for £9.96, down from £10.95.
Customers have praised this fertiliser for its effectiveness in controlling moss growth and enhancing the greenness of their lawns. They found it straightforward to apply and use, with clear instructions, and many deemed it good value for money.
The Cleenly Iron Sulphate, retailing for £13.95 at B&Q, has been hailed as “excellent” in reviews for treating moss. Alternatively, the Pure Source Iron Sulphate can be purchased from eBay for £9.99.
Nevertheless, iron sulphate requires mixing with water to achieve a “superb green-up effect on the grass”, and provided sufficient moisture is present, it remains completely safe to use.
For a 100 square metre area, dissolve between 60 to 250g of iron sulphate (depending on conditions and soil pH) in 100 litres of water. To make the solution more practical, use a 10-litre watering can and fill it with water before adding six to 25g of iron sulphate.
Iron sulphate works most effectively when applied during dry and calm weather conditions. A light watering will accelerate absorption into the soil, though you can also apply it when rainfall is forecast, ideally not heavy downpours, which could wash the treatment away.
Gardening specialists at Moowy state that iron sulphate “eliminates moss within four days” of application. Allow your lawn adequate time to absorb the compound, and refrain from walking on it for at least several weeks.
Bear in mind that iron sulphate can cause staining. Exercise caution around stones, concrete and paving, as discolouration may occur on these surfaces as well.
Other winter tips for your lawn
According to Joe’s Lawn Care, if your lawn is still growing, it’s best to mow it during winter. The expert said: “There’s a common misconception that mowing is not a winter activity. But this isn’t the case. That’s because the UK is actually prone to having some pretty mild winters; mild enough that your grass keeps growing.”
If your lawn needs it, mow when the grass is dry and ensure your mower deck height is raised to remove no more than one-third of the grass. This helps keep the lawn tidy, clears debris, and allows more sunlight to reach the grass.
The lawn specialist also advises against walking on wet soil. They advised: “When you step on wet soil, your foot sinks in, forcing the air out.
“Without those air pockets, your soil is going to become compacted when it dries out, which will prevent air, water and nutrients from getting to the roots, as well as your roots from being able to grow deeper.”
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