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Is it too early in the year for moss killer?

Duggie12Duggie12 Posts: 25
in Problem solving
Hi folks 
I have raked the moss from my garden and there isn't much grass at all. Apparently the next step is too apply moss killer. Is it too early in the season? 

I plan to re seed the lawn in a few weeks. I'm in Scotland and it's been a mild winter by our standards. The moss killer I have is one of these all in one lawn feed/moss killer things but I read that you shouldn't apply it too early. 
Thanks!

Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Moss grows where drainage and/or light levels are poor.  Rather than spreading chemicals that you'll just have to d again every year I suggest you take the time now to aerate your lawn and thus improve both drainage and fertility for healthier grass.

    Take a large garden fork and sink its tines vertically as deeply as you can and then wiggle back and forth to open the holes.  Work backwards and repeat every few inches.  Then you pour on piles of dry, sharp sand (not builders' sand) and brush it across the area with a stiff brush.  It will seep into the holes and keep them open.   

    Then apply a light general fertiliser for lawns and finally re-seed with a suitable strain of grass.   You may need to repeat this every spring and maybe autumn for a few years but it will be better for your lawn and for wildlife than moss killing chemicals.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • Duggie12Duggie12 Posts: 25
    Hi thanks for that 
    Yes I plan go aerate the soil and put pre seeding fertiliser before seeding 
    But I read that I should kill the moss before hand and then scarify. I just wondered if it was too early to use a moss killer
    Thanks 
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    If you've scraped it all off and then fix the drainage you shouldn't need to kill the moss.  It does make great compost too if left without chemicals but has to be binned if you've used them.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • Duggie12Duggie12 Posts: 25
    What's the point of moss killer as a product then ?Is it just a gimmick?
    Thanks 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    It makes money for the manufacturers?

    Remove as much moss as you can, improve the growing conditions for the grass and your lawn will be much better. 

    If we get rid of every tiny bit of moss, what will the birds line their nests with?

     :) 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Duggie12Duggie12 Posts: 25
    Right so moss killer is a waste of time ?
    Every guide i read says to apply it but I trust you guys more because no financial gain so I'll skip it !
    Cheers 
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    I do use moss killer in a 4 in 1 weed and feed mix.  Part of the lawn doesn't get much sun so is more susceptible to moss, although I do get patches throughout the lawn despite being on free draining ground.  The 4 in 1 makes a big difference to the grass / moss ratio.
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