Beware Of Moss In Lawn

The increasingly heavy overnight autumn dews in the UK create ideal conditions for moss establishment (or re-establishment!). Spores which have lain dormant during the summer months become active and can soon overpower even the healthiest of lawns. So we need to beware. Now is an ideal time to get down close to the turf and examine it carefully for strands of moss.

If moss has previously been a problem, I recommend an application of ferrous sulphate (19% soluble sulphate of iron) at 1 ounce per gallon of water per 10 square yards (35g per 4.5 litres water per 9 square metres). With the right rose, it doesn't take long to apply with a watering can (you might need to experiment with different ones to get the delivery rate right). I would give this treatment whether you can see any moss or not; any present will turn black almost instantly. You might be amazed at how much there is.

REPEAT TREATMENT IF NECESSARY
I dealt with moss treatment in great detail last year (see last autumn's lawn posts). But I didn't make it clear that we need to keep an eye out for moss re-establishing after a month or two. If it does, then repeat the treatment. You can do this as many times as necessary.

If you keep 'nipping it in the bud', you will keep it in check without disfiguring the lawn. i.e. the dead moss will quickly grow over, so there should be no need to rake.

RAKE OUT IF NECESSARY
If moss is really bad, then now is the time to kill it off and rake it out. There is still time for the turf to at least partly recover before winter. This way it will not look as unsightly as it would if left till later, or - even worse - next year.