There are thousands of species of moss and algae, and over 50 of these are found to affect grass. Mosses are primitive non-flowering plants that have no root structure and rely on a sufficient moisture environment being present for reproduction and survival. The majority of them are tolerant of acidic conditions and are stimulated by cool wet humid conditions. Rapid colonisation of moss and algae’s usually occur during autumn and winter months when soils are lying wet and saturated for long periods of time. Particularly when, little or no regular maintenance has been undertaken.
Causes of Moss
- Long periods of wet weather
- Long periods of dry weather
- Low soil fertility
- Compacted soils
- Low or high soil pH
- Excessive shade
- Poorly drained soils
- High thatch contents
- Poor air circulation
- Closely mown / weak grass growth
- Ineffective maintenance regimes, particularly mowing, fertilising, aeration, brushing, scarifying and pesticide / weed control operations.
The Solution
- Don’t mow too short
- Keep turf mowed at 1” no shorter
- Aerate lawns to allow water to move away from surface (back fill holes with dressing where drainage is poor or soil is predominantly clay
- Prune low trees/bushes to increase air and light to lawn
- Feed lawn and control weeds
- Scarify to remove thatch
- Treat moss with liquid iron or with fertilisers with high iron content
- Use the search software at the top of this page to locate local Independent lawn care provider now who will assess your lawn and help you remove and prevent moss
