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Moss / Dying Grass

ruarimmitchell4QwJM5-uruarimmitchell4QwJM5-u Posts: 2
in Problem solving

First post. Can anyone advise what this is from the pictures below and if known, how do I resolve this issue. Its almost moss like.

Thanks for any help / advice.




Posts

  • robairdmacraignilrobairdmacraignil Posts: 782
    Maybe it is moss. When the weather warms up you could give your grass some fertiliser which should boost its growth and help it outgrow the moss which does better when it is damp anyway. In my own lawn area it goes away on its own once the grass starts growing more in the spring but it can be a sign of poor drainage if it is a persistent issue. I like moss so don't apply chemicals to kill it like some gardeners do.

    Happy gardening!
    https://www.youtube.com/user/sustainableveg/videos
  • rossdriscoll13rossdriscoll13 Posts: 234
    @ruarimmitchell4QwJM5-u that’s moss.  You need to either use a weed and feed product, personally I don’t like using these, or use Sulphate Of Iron following all instructions on the product. You also need to scarify your lawn, once the moss killer has turned the moss black, aerate and then overseed.  To find out how to scarify and overseed there are tons of videos on Youtube.
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited April 2023
    rossdriscoll13 said:
    that’s moss.  You need to either use a weed and feed product, personally I don’t like using these, or use Sulphate Of Iron following all instructions on the product. You also need to scarify your lawn, once the moss killer has turned the moss black, aerate and then overseed.

     Most products that I have bought have not given specific instructions for moss killing.  I disslove 6 tablespoon in a 1.5 gallon watering can, and water to cover the lawn lightly. About 3 cans for 100m2.  

    I feed separately; having the grass fast-growing helps.  I use Scotts slow release lawn fertilser.  Overseed after you have given the original grass to fill any gaps.  

    I think scarifying just spread the spores about.  If left, the moss soon rots down to become in situ peat. Aeration is just hard work unless the soil is already compacted.

    Don't cut the grass too short.


     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • ruarimmitchell4QwJM5-uruarimmitchell4QwJM5-u Posts: 2
    So is it just a matter of raking up the moss, cutting the lawn and applying some sort of lawn feed at the end?
  • AstroAstro Posts: 433
    Though usually associated with damp and shaded conditions I've come across mossy lawns that were parched and in full sun.  This suggests moss fills in where grass struggles, the common factor in the lawns I saw was they were cut too short.

    I'm no lawn expert but to deal with the moss I'd mow it if there is any long grass , rake it , top dress and then seed it . The grass seed variety would depend on the typical conditions the lawn would be exposed too. 


  • rossdriscoll13rossdriscoll13 Posts: 234
    @ruarimmitchell4QwJM5-u first you need to kill the moss.  Apply Sulphate of Iron using a pump sprayer.  Wait for the moss to turn black.  Once the moss has turned black it is dead so you will not spread the spores moss needs to be alive for this.  When the moss is black scarify, as I said videos on Youtube showing you how.  Then overseed.  4-6 weeks after the new seed has germinated then you can feed.  Overseeding videos again on Youtube.
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