Lawns will often come back after winter really weak and mossy, but there is a simple method to give the grass a boost without much effort.
07:23, 02 Mar 2026Updated 07:23, 02 Mar 2026
A simple way to get rid of moss is to sprinkle iron sulphate on your grass (Image: Getty)
With spring just around the corner, lawns are beginning to stir back to life – but gardeners need to act now before moss takes hold. Early spring is prime time for moss to run riot, as grass remains fragile following the punishing winter months. This leaves lawns particularly vulnerable, with moss competing fiercely for sunlight, space and nutrients, potentially hampering the grass’s recovery.
Matt Adams, an expert from The Relentless Gardener, has revealed a straightforward solution that tackles moss whilst simultaneously giving your lawn a much-needed boost. He said: “Iron sulphate is a widely used product on lawns. It is, of course, known for its strength in controlling or killing moss. That’s not all, though, it can also help grass with photosynthesis, meaning it will help give it a nice green colour whilst adding some much-needed nutrients into the soil.”
Early spring is the peak growing time for moss as it can outcompete grass for resources(Image: Getty)
Iron sulphate is a mineral salt that, when combined with water, essentially burns moss and causes considerable damage to it. Perfectly safe for grass in standard quantities, it draws moisture from moss and rapidly dehydrates it – a process made all the more effective given that moss is thin and lacks roots.
Grass relies on iron to produce chlorophyll, the compound responsible for its rich green colour. Within just a few days of treatment, your lawn should appear noticeably lusher and more vibrant, reports the Express.
Chlorophyll enables plants to absorb sunlight for photosynthesis, meaning iron sulphate will also provide your lawn with a significant energy boost to encourage thicker grass growth throughout spring.
Not only does it tackle moss, but it keeps grass from turning yellow whilst maintaining its health, reducing the likelihood of moss returning later in the season.
Anyone with a lawn needs to pour 1 simple item on the grass as soon as possible(Image: Getty)
How to eliminate lawn moss using iron sulphate.
It’s worth noting that lawns frequently develop moss during winter due to soil becoming compacted and waterlogged as a result of freezing conditions.
To prevent moss from returning permanently, you’ll need to aerate and scarify your lawn beforehand to guarantee proper soil drainage.
Iron sulphate is readily available at your local garden centre, typically sold as lawn sand, fertiliser, or a water-soluble formula.
Taking the time to care for your lawn now in early March will ensure it stays healthy for the rest of the year(Image: Getty)
Never apply iron directly onto your grass, as it is particularly potent and must always be diluted with water, sand or fertiliser – otherwise it will scorch both your lawn and the moss.
Generally speaking, lawn sand is the preferred option in early spring to give your grass a nutritional boost, as fertilisers can cause serious damage to turf when temperatures remain low.
Spread lawn sand containing iron sulphate following rainfall so it dissolves effortlessly, encouraging your grass to turn a rich emerald green whilst keeping moss at bay throughout the spring months.
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