Finding patches of moss in your once lush lawn can be incredibly frustrating.
However, it is important to remember that you are not alone and that this is a common issue for many gardeners.
In this guide we will explore what moss is, what causes it to grow, how to remove moss from your lawn and ways to prevent it from returning.
What is moss?
Moss is a spore-producing, non-vascular type of plant from the Bryophyta family.
Non-vascular means that, unlike grass and other plants, moss does not have true roots or a vascular system.
Due to this, mosses will generally absorb water and nutrients through their surface.
These plant varieties tend to thrive in damp conditions and will usually appear in the autumn and winter months.
Moss is opportunistic and will take hold wherever it can, particularly in thin or struggling areas of your lawn.
Is moss bad for your lawn?
Yes, moss can indicate an underlying problem with your lawn.
Moss thrives in unfavourable conditions, and if it is not dealt with promptly, it can quickly spread and overtake your grass.
Once it has established itself in your lawn, moss will suffocate your grass as it competes for space, creating unsightly, spongy patches in your garden.
In addition, moss will prevent water and nutrients from reaching your grass roots by absorbing them on the surface, weakening them further.
The good news is that warm and dry conditions cause moss to die out naturally; however, your lawn is likely to be left with bare patches where it previously thrived.
What causes mosses to grow?
It can be easy to think of moss as the main issue; however, it is actually a symptom of an underlying problem in your lawn.
Understanding what causes moss to grow is the first step to addressing the issue.
Here are some of the main causes of moss growth:
- Excess water. A waterlogged lawn can create the ideal, damp conditions for moss to flourish. Too much water can prevent oxygen from reaching your grass roots, making them weak and more vulnerable to disease and lawn pests like moss
- Compacted soil. This make it difficult for your grass to grow by creating a barrier between your grass roots and the air, water, and nutrients it needs. Without the essentials, your grass will weaken and find it difficult to grow, making it an ideal target for moss
- Nutrient-deficient soil. Similarly, if your lawn is deficient in one of the key nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium, it will struggle to grow properly and compete with moss for resources
- Shaded areas. Moss favours the shade, so it will often take root in the areas of your lawn that do not get much sunlight. Grass requires sunlight to thrive, so often those patches in heavily shaded areas will be weaker and prone to moss.
- Poor lawn maintenance. To keep your lawn healthy and strong, you need to follow a regular lawn care routine. Neglecting core lawn care tasks like mowing, aerating, and dethatching can leave your grass stressed and weakened, creating the perfect home for moss
How many varieties of moss are there?
There are approximately 12,000 species of moss in the world, and over 700 of these species can be found in the UK!
The most common types of moss you will find in the UK are:
- Rough-stalked feather moss. Often referred to as ‘ordinary moss’ and can usually be found growing in woodlands, gardens, and at the base of hedges
- Common haircap. Known for being one of the tallest species of moss, common haircap is usually found in damp areas like bogs, rivers, and streams within woodland
- Swan’s -neck thyme moss. Has pointed tips and is commonly found growing in woodlands on logs, rocks, and soil
- Common tamarisk moss. Develops fern-like shoots and grows in woodlands, hedges, and on damp grass
- Sphagnum moss. Is often multi-coloured and thrives in damp areas like heaths, bogs, and moorlands
- Common striated feather-moss. Produces triangular or heart-shaped leaves and favours the damp conditions of woodlands with high clay soil
How to get rid of moss in your lawn?
If your lawn is struggling, the good news is that it is fairly simple to remove.
Ideally, for a long-term solution to your moss problems, you will want to address the underlying issues that are causing it to appear in the first place.
We recommend carrying out the following steps to remove moss and return your lawn to full health:
- Start scarifying. Scarification is a key process in any lawn care routine. It allows you to remove thatch that stores moisture and creates an ideal home for moss. Scarifying your lawn creates stress on the moss that affects its development. Remember to dispose of any moss or debris after removing it to prevent it from spreading
- Apply an effective treatment. If the moss in your garden is of the more stubborn variety, you may want to consider using a specialised moss killer. Our powerful Weed Wipeout Treatment has been expertly formulated to remove these common garden pests without damaging your lawn
- Aerate your lawn. Aeration is another key technique for dealing with moss, as it helps to improve the drainage of your lawn. Aerating your lawn involves creating small holes in the soil to loosen compacted soil and promote the flow of air, water, and nutrients to your grass roots. We recommend aerating cool-season grasses in early spring or autumn and warm-season grasses in late spring or early summer
- Replenish nutrients. Moss prevents nutrients from reaching your grass, so once it has been removed, you will need to replenish those lost nutrients. Our high-quality Perfect Prep Fertiliser promotes strong root development and rapid seed germination
- Encourage new growth. Moss removal can often leave your lawn with bare patches that are most vulnerable to pests and diseases. Overseed these areas with our reliable Thick & Thriving Grass Seed that germinates quickly and can tolerate diverse weather conditions
Does salt kill moss?
Yes, salt can kill moss by dehydrating it, causing it to dry out.
Salt is commonly used for killing moss that has appeared on driveways and patios, rather than grass.
We do not recommend salt on your lawn, as it can cause unnecessary damage to your soil, kill your grass, and hurt the overall health of your lawn.
How do you prevent moss in your lawn?
Now that you are aware of how you can effectively get rid of moss from your lawn, it’s time to look at how you can prevent it from returning.
Due to the sheer amount of moss varieties, some species may likely make themselves at home in your garden.
However, this does not mean that you have to let them take over.
The key to preventing moss is to establish a good and consistent lawn care routine like our month-by-month lawn care calendar.
You can use this tool to help keep track of when and if you have completed essential lawn care tasks.
Here are some effective ways to prevent moss from sprouting up:
- Improve your lawn’s drainage. If you suspect that your soil may be compacted, then you should aerate your lawn. Addressing this issue as soon as possible can prevent waterlogging which creates the ideal conditions for moss to flourish
- Test your soil. You can do this easily using a soil test kit to check the pH level. If the soil is too acidic, apply lime to balance out the pH
- Fertilise regularly. Nutrient-deficient grass is weak grass that is more susceptible to diseases and pests, like moss. Applying a high-quality, balanced fertiliser will keep your lawn thick and healthy, crowding out the potential for moss
- Mow correctly. Keep your lawn at the right height and avoid cutting it too short. You should never be removing more than one-third of the grass per mowing session. Leaving your lawn too short can weaken it and make it a target for moss
- Increase light exposure. Moss favours shady and damp areas, so ensure as much sunlight can reach your lawn as possible. Keep overhanging bushes and trees trimmed and plant our Shade Support Grass Seed in permanently shaded spots
- Dethatch regularly. Debris and dead organic matter can contribute to thatch build-up, which creates the ideal conditions for moss to grow. Regularly remove any debris or leaves from your lawn to prevent a build-up
- Limit foot traffic. Limit foot traffic where possible by using paths or stepping stones to cross the lawn. Heavy foot traffic can lead to soil compaction, creating favourable conditions for moss to take root
- Avoid overwatering. Try to water your lawn deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth and prevent overwatering. Always check the weather conditions so you can tailor your watering schedule, and try to water early in the morning to allow the grass to dry throughout the day
Ready to say goodbye to moss?
Although the initial appearance of moss may cause you to panic, it is a common issue that can easily be solved with the right approach.
By understanding what causes moss to grow and taking proactive steps to address the root problems of your lawn, you can remove it effectively and prevent it from returning.
To help you get started on creating a healthier lawn, why not take our quiz to be paired with your perfect bundle?
