Most untreated lawns in the UK are plagued by moss, and it’s no wonder; this particular plant has been around for over 400 million years. By comparison, lawn grasses are much younger, having only been around for about 100 million years.
Reproduction and Conditions
The age of moss, as well as how it reproduces are the reasons why it is so difficult to eliminate. Moss reproduces not by seeds, but by airborne spores. As well, moss prefers conditions that are acidic, shady and damp. Moss grows in autumn and spring, but will spend the winter producing spores for the spring growth season. What’s worse, moss will also produce spores in spring for the following autumn.
In the right conditions, moss will form a dense mat, which will eventually choke lawn grasses. Although green in appearance in damp and cool weather, moss will dry out and turn brown in hot weather, resulting in unsightly patches.
Raking
Raking is enough to remove moss over the short term, as it has shallow roots which are easy to pull. In order to make identification and removal easier, it can help to apply a product that will blacken and kill the moss. However, this will not prevent the moss from returning.
What Encourages Moss Growth?
Although you may think you are doing your lawn a favour by cutting the grass short, doing so too often can slow grass growth, which leaves room for moss to multiply.
Poor air quality can also contribute to moss overgrowth, as can any shaded areas on a lawn. A lawn that has poor drainage will provide the damp conditions that moss needs to thrive. The fertility of the soil is another factor; without regular fertilisation, moss will grow while grass does not. Compaction of the soil, such as is the case with heavy clay, will become dense and hard over time. While this will make it difficult for grass roots to penetrate, moss will grow without issue.
How Can Moss Be Removed For Good?
Although there are several chemicals on the market that can treat and kill moss, here at Lawn3, our focus is on addressing the underlying reasons for moss growth so that we can reduce future growth. In order to understand the reasons why moss is growing on your lawn, we need to take a look at it.
Chafer Grubs
Chafer grubs are the larvae of the chager beetle. They cause problems on lawns by feeding on roots of grass plants. Read more…
General Lawn Tips
At Lawn 3 there is nothing we like better than a lush, verdant lawn that looks great all year round. Read more…
Lawn Treatments
Lawn3’s range of lawn care treatments allows you to achieve the lawn of your dreams. Read more…
Leatherjackets
These are one of the most common lawn problems. They are the larvae stage of the Common Crane Fly. Read more…
Weeds
Not only do weeds make your lawn look unsightly, but they will also compete with your grass for light, water and nutrients. Read more…
Call Lawn3 Now For a Free Lawn Assessment
We offer a free, no-obligation lawn assessment. During the assessment, we will identify your lawn problems, as well as recommend a course of action. Our professionals are always ready to give you the information you need to rid your lawn of moss for good. Simply call us on 01332 523856, or visit our contact page to email us with your request.
FAQ
Q)Will Lawn 3 Really Cost Me Less Than DIY, and Why?
Answer…
Yes! Our fertilisers are slow-release and last for up to three months. This is twice as long as off-the-shelf products. We also apply the right products on your lawn at the right time of year, meaning zero waste. Not only does it cost less, but it requires far less effort than DIY.
Q) What Does Lawn 3 Do?
Answer…
Lawn 3 specialises in the treatment and restoration of your lawn. We offer several types of lawn treatment which are detailed below.
Year-Round Treatment
Mar\Apr – We apply spring fertiliser and weed treatment to your lawn
May\Jun – We apply early summer fertiliser and weed treatment to your lawn
Jul\Aug – We apply late summer fertiliser and weed treatment to your lawn
Sept\Oct – We apply liquid iron treatment to your lawn to control moss and protect it over the winter
Nov – We apply crane fly (daddy long legs) treatment to your lawn to prevent infestation in the spring
Supplementary Treatments
These treatments can be included with your year-round treatment, or ordered independently.
Scarification – We remove moss and/or thatch from your lawn, which improves oxygen, water & nutrient levels in the soil
Aeration – This treatment improves drainage, provides space for root growth in your lawn, and allows nutrients and oxygen to the root zone
Miraclemoss – Our own organic moss control treatment, safe for pets, wildlife and your border plants
Pest Control – Chafer Grub treatments to rid your lawn of dead spots
Mowless – A treatment that reduces the speed of your lawn’s growth, reducing the need to mow and resulting in a much healthier lawn
Q) What’s the Difference between Lawn 3 Products and Garden Centre Products?
Answer…
Garden centre products are diluted so that no professional qualifications are required to buy or apply them. But this also means that they can be less effective when applied to your lawn. As well, many of these products are a mixture of lawn food, moss killer, greener and weed killer, which also compromises their effectiveness.
As well, garden centre products are designed to give a flush of growth so that you see visible results sooner. Unfortunately, much of the solution is too strong to be absorbed by your lawn and simply washes away. All of the operators at Lawn 3 are NPTC qualified, able to purchase and apply professional-strength fertilisers and weed killers to your lawn.
All of the products Lawn 3 applies are slow release, which allows a carefully regulated release of nutrients into the soil for a lawn that not only looks healthy on the surface, but really is healthy all the way from root to top.
Our Happy Clients
"Stephen Monk Lawn 3 has been looking after our lawn for nearly three years , and we are very pleased with the personal service he provides and the results achieved to date. Previously over a period of some last seven years we had a similar service from two other lawn care providers. In each case we decided, after a reasonable period, that they were not providing the service we had expected. We found Lawn 3 by an internet search, and were impressed by the personal service referred to in the website testimonials Our lawn has suffered for many years with red thread. We are currently nearly free of this thanks to Stephen. He takes considerable pride in his work and makes you feel your lawn is important to him. He is extremely approachable whilst providing a professional caring service often giving simple self help tips to improve the lawn. Thanks Stephen"
"Dear Steve, Lawn3 reseeded our lawn in the spring and we are very pleased with the result. Rather than a lawn filled with dandelions and Mind Your Own business we now have a beautiful thick green lawn - too nice to walk on! Steve is always helpful, keeps to his appointment times and has gone out of his way to give us extra advice. For anyone wondering whether to go for laying turf or seeding a lawn I would definitely recommend the latter. Our garden is shaded by a large tree so Steve has seeded with a shade tolerant grass seed - we are delighted. Thanks Steve"
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