Moss is not technically a weed if you aren’t growing it on purpose, but it may as well be one. It’s a simple and ancient plant with a shallow root system. It is an opportunistic plant that will take hold wherever it can. In your lawn, moss will grow anywhere your grass is not thick enough to crowd it out.
Fortunately, according to one professional gardener, it is not very difficult to get rid of moss in your lawn. One woman took to the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook page to ask for advice on what to do with her “all moss” lawn.
She had already tried a type of moss killer treatment that “didn’t work” and was seeking alternative suggestions.
Posting a picture of her moss-infested lawn, Parisa Brandsey said: “Hello fellow gardeners! We moved into a new house a few months ago, and this is our lawn in the backyard; it’s all moss.
“Front yard looks the same as well. My husband purchased this moss killer, and it was supposed to work within hours. Well, it didn’t work, and it’s been almost 24 hours.
“When he tried to rake the moss, there was more underneath. He is worried about using other products out there because, according to some reviews, they can stain the surrounding area.
“We need help with getting rid of all this moss. We have had issues with moss before, but not to this extent. We appreciate your help.”
After seeing Parisa’s Facebook post, a professional gardener offered his advice in the comments section.
Chris Watson penned an enthusiastic endorsement for lawn sand, stating: “Lawn sand is unreal, it’s the best for lawn moss! Apply it, wait a few weeks, and rake it out. The dead moss will turn black. I’m a professional gardener, and it works every time.”
A garden must-have, lawn sand, often comprises a blend of sand and iron sulphate with a hint of fertiliser.
Lawn sand is renowned for its moss-combating properties, thanks to ingredients like iron sulphate that are lethal to moss. Not just a moss terminator, the iron sulphate in lawn sand doubles up as a beautifier, providing your grass with a lush, vibrant green hue.
Yet, green-fingered folk should heed the warning that over-enthusiasm with lawn sand could spell trouble for your turf, with overuse leading to scorched or damaged grass.