Forum home Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Cost effective moss killer

i would gratefully appreciate member's recommendations on a cost effective moss killer for my lawn.  It is about 50 sq meters, part of it is shady and part in full sun.  I am not looking for a bowling green, just a healthy sward to set off the borders. Thank you.

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    I use B&Q's own brand weed and feed which seems just as effective as any of the branded products, and works well on the plentiful moss I have in the front garden. I expect they do a mosskiller on it's own Esspee, although it's not something I use in isolation image 

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • TootlesTootles Posts: 1,469

    For value you can't beat wilko's. 

  • Will take a bit more effort and planning, but you could try Iron Sulphate if you don't want to use any weedkiller. Just have to be careful working out the dilutions and keeping off it to prevent any shoes or animal feet transferring iron stains. Will be more economical and environment friendly in the long run.

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Iron-Sulphate-Conditioner-Killer-soluble/dp/B00DJ48NW6/ref=pd_sim_sbs_86_3/280-2999748-0260127?ie=UTF8&refRID=0762CKK1GM5JXMGWXRX8

    Otherwise agreed about Wilkos being the cheap and cheerful option:

    http://www.wilko.com/lawn-seed+food/wilko-lawn-feed-weed-and-moss-killer-50sqm-175kg/invt/0159284

  • EsspeeEsspee Posts: 274

    Thank you both for your advice, much appreciated.

  • EsspeeEsspee Posts: 274

    Thank you Tetley.  I thought raking the live moss would spread it and that I needed to  kill it off first.  I used to use lawn sand many moons ago, then scarify but haven't done that for a few years.  Can't see the stuff in the shops and all the feed and weed seems pretty expensive.  I share your dislike of chemicals in theory and have contemplated having a small widlife pond and surrounding boggy area in the worst affected part but it is a smallish garden.  I've also, at times, even contemplated artificial grass (shock horror!)  I used to use a corer and brush in sand but it is incredibly hard work and never seemed to make a huge difference.

    I am trying to avoid mentioning my biggest concern as I don't have the energy to tackle it right now.  I don't have any earthworms.  About 20 years ago I found New Zealand flatworms and had a battle with them, haven't seen one for 15 years but still no earthworms.  I am sure that is a factor in my problem.

  • EsspeeEsspee Posts: 274
    Perhaps I should start another thread specifically about reintroducing earthworms in the hope of finding someone who has successfully managed to do this. I have tried collecting worms and relocating them, leaving rotted down compost nearby in the hope they would stay and multiply, but without success. Perhaps my flatworms have not been extirpated as I hoped but are now in disguise. Incidentally when I lived in New Zealand nobody had heard of New Zealand flatworms - very strange!

    As for my grass, I shall try scarrifying aerating and oversowing but if it doesn't improve then chemicals it will be. Will work on my other half to try to get him enthusiastic about a little pond though I suspect he will feel it will make more work for the future. Thanks for your advice. Just thought of another question - I know scarrifying will result in bags and bags of moss. Can I compost this or let the council have it as their heaps generate high temperatures unlike my little one?
Sign In or Register to comment.