Whether moss is a problem is largely down to personal preference. Some gardeners appreciate its velvety green carpet, while others aspire to a ‘perfect’ lawn. If you fall into the latter camp, now is the time to act, as spring provides ideal conditions for moss to spread.
Moss flourishes in damp, cool and shaded environments – exactly the conditions spring delivers in abundance. Although it can establish itself almost anywhere, it most commonly appears on lawns, particularly in shady or poorly aerated areas, where it can quickly become an unwelcome sight.
To keep moss under control, there are several key steps you can take to revitalise your lawn and restore it to its best, while also reducing the chances of it returning. Below, Simon Akeroyd, head of estates and landscapes at Painshill Park Trust and author of more than 30 gardening books, including RHS Gardening School, shares his top tips.
1. Improve drainage
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‘One of the most effective ways of improving the quality of the lawn is to aerate it,’ Simon tells Yell. Aeration involves poking small holes into the lawn to improve the flow of oxygen, which the grass needs to thrive. To do this, use a machine-powered aerator, a manual spoke aerator or simply a garden fork.
‘Aeration helps to relieve compaction, increases drainage, which will reduce moss problems and increase airflow in the soil, which promotes healthier root systems and therefore a better and denser sward of lawn on the surface,’ he explains. ‘You can then brush top dressing into the holes left by the fork to improve the quality of the soil in the root zone of the lawn.’
2. Use moss killer
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If moss has already taken hold, Simon recommends using an iron sulphate-based moss treatment, which rapidly dehydrates and kills off the moss while strengthening grass roots. Once the moss has died off, gently rake it out and scatter new grass seeds and water well to fill any gaps in your lawn.
3. Feed your lawn
Give your lawn the best possible start with a high-quality feed that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. This balanced boost will promote new growth while strengthening the grass against moss, weeds and disease. Early spring is the ideal time to apply it, setting your lawn up for a healthy season ahead.
4. Mow and scarify
Mowing regularly and correctly is an essential part of proper lawn care. According to Simon’s advice, keeping grass at the optimal length of 3.5 to 4 inches ensures strong growth and makes the lawn resilient against moss and other weeds.
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Before mowing, the expert recommends scarifying your lawn. ‘This removes much of the thatch, which is the dead and decaying material at the base of the grass blades,’ Simon notes. ‘I use a spring-tined rake and pull it across the surface of the lawn … You will be amazed at how much thatch is on the surface of the grass.
‘The thatch can impede moisture from getting to the roots and smother out the grass blades, resulting in a mossy-looking lawn. Thatch also prevents air circulation and can retain moisture, causing lawn fungal diseases.’
Taking these steps now will lay the groundwork for a healthier, stronger and more resilient lawn – one you can take pride in all year.
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