When it comes to lawn problems there are a lot of different things to look out for. From dry patches to pests, there always seems to be something that could go wrong. One lawn problem that people often forget about is moss.
Photo from Envato Elements
Moss establishes itself close to the soil, so it can be difficult to see unless you get up-close. If you suspect you have moss in your lawn we'd recommend getting it treated right away. When it's left to grow for long periods of time, moss can be very bad for your lawn. Here's why...
Moss competes with your grass
We all want our lawns to thrive, which is why we have to be conscious of things that could potentially compete with them. It's true that weeds like dandelions compete with your grass, but they're not the only nuisance plants to look out for. Moss is a plant that grows in thick mats across the surface of the soil. While it's not as obvious as intrusive lawn weeds it certainly can cause a similar amount of harm.
Moss competes with your grass by preventing water and nutrients from reaching the roots. When this happens, the grass will become weak and might eventually die. This can be avoided if you have a good moss removal plan in place. Remember, moss has a tendency to spread quickly, so even if you've only noticed a small patch in your lawn, you should get it treated and removed before it out-competes other parts of your lawn.
Moss could indicate a drainage problem
Moss is a type of plant that doesn't necessarily need a lot of sunlight to grow, in fact, it thrives in wet and dark conditions. If you notice that moss is growing in your lawn, it could indicate that you have a drainage problem in the soil. When did you last aerate your lawn? If you can't remember, then the chances are it was too long ago! A good way to test if the grass has become waterlogged is to check it on a relatively dry day. If you walk on the grass and see water coming to the surface, it shows that it's not evaporated or drained away.
As well as being an indicator of a drainage problem, moss can also contribute to poor grass health. The thick vegetation acts a bit like a sponge and will hold on to a lot of surface water that would usually make its way into the soil. your grass will struggle to get enough water because the water is held in the moss above the surface. You need to remove the moss and aerate your lawn if you think it could be creating a drainage problem.
How can I remove moss from my lawn?
If you've noticed a moss problem in your lawn, there are a few steps you should take:
- Apply a moss killer
- Once the moss is dead, scarify to remove
- Aerate the soil to improve drainage
- Overseed if necessary to repair sparse patches
Of course, if this seems like too much work to tackle on your own - don't worry, help is at hand! Here at Lawn and Weed Expert, we've been tackling moss in lawns for years. We've got all the equipment and expertise needed to treat even the most severe moss problems.
Why not enquire about our winter lawn care service? This service tackles a range of problems including moss and lawn diseases.
Our Moss Control Service > Contact Us Now!
