Moss Control
What is Moss?
Moss is a tiny non-flowering plant which lacks a root system and yet it is probably the most common of all lawn problems.
It spreads through spores and thrives in damp conditions. Typical of the UK climate! Moss is actually a symptom of poor turf, not a cause.
Types of Moss
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Upright Mosses - These have upright tufts, green leaves at the top and brown leaves at the base
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Trailing Mosses - These have green or golden feathery stems which lye on the surface
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Cushion Mosses - These have tiny upright stems which are closely packed together to form compact cushions
Moss Control
The control of moss is not as straightforward as controlling weeds. Due to the plant not having a vascular system, pesticides will not work. In fact, nothing actually "kills" moss despite various companies claiming their product does.
An application of our moss treatment will halt the spread of the moss by drying out and burning the leaves, but will not stop it reappearing. It turns the moss a brown/black colour, whilst enhancing the colour of the grass and providing a greater resistance to diseases. Domestic lawns will unfortunately always suffer from moss due to poorer drainage and more shade than sports turf settings.
The best control for moss is a healthy, well maintained lawn.
Causes of Moss
As mentioned at the top of the page, moss is a symptom, not a cause of a bad lawn. Some of the causes are listed below.
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Compaction - The ground is too hard for the grass to grow properly which allows the moss to take over. Aeration is the way relieve the compacted soil
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Thatch - A thatch layer that is too big will encourage moss to grow as moisture is kept on the surface. Scarification is the process to reduce the level of thatch in the lawn.
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Shade - Too much shade on a lawn will mean moss will thrive in the cooler, damper conditions. It dislikes warmer, dry conditions.
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Poor Drainage - Poor drainage in lawns creates perfect growing conditions for moss. The permanent dampness allows it to thrive. Again, Aeration is the key to improving drainage.