Efficient strategies for moss eradication: From liming to turf aeration
11 February 2024 19:33
Unfortunately, moss is typically an indicator of a neglected, undernourished lawn. If you've found moss in your lawn, it's a testament to the poor condition of the turf. However, there is a silver lining. Moss can be fairly easily eradicated. We detail how to eliminate moss from your lawn effectively and long term.
Liming — a long-term and effective solution
Moss prefers dark, humid areas where the soil is infertile and starved of nutrients. If you've discovered moss in your garden, it's a signal that the soil needs some fertilisation. Adequate fertilising rejuvenates the soil and simultaneously creates an environment inimical to moss, thereby preventing its spread across your lawn.
So, how can you eradicate moss? Firstly, the underlying soil needs care. It is thus valuable to carry out liming at least once annually. Liming is simply applying a blend of chalk, dolomite, and lime-magnesium fertiliser. This combination is available for purchase both in gardening outlets and online.
Distribute this mixture evenly over the soil, then lightly water the grass. This application will alkalinise the soil, replacing its original acidity — an environment inhospitable for moss, preventing further proliferation.
Turf drainage — for immediate effect
Verticutting and aeration are vital procedures to perform annually — typically in the spring. These processes involve perforating the sod, which accelerates the growth of the grass, provides it with oxygen and revitalises it, leading to a lush, thick and upright growth. You can acquire specialised aeration equipment for this purpose or manually perforate the soil, for instance, using a garden fork.
However, remember that if you decide on manual aeration and wish to eradicate the moss simultaneously, the fork should penetrate at least 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2cm, rounded to approximately 8-10cm) deep. The most effective results will be achieved by combining verticutting, aeration, and subsequent liming of the soil. By conducting these three operations, you will effectively rid your lawn of moss for a significant period.
