Ferrous Sulphate Products
Moss after treatment
Ferrous or iron sulphate is a constituent of moss killers and fertilisers. It is exactly the same chemical compound regardless of how it is sold or used. They may vary slightly in concentration and be mixed with other compounds but apart from that they are the same.
Ferrous or Iron Sulphate as Pesticide
Moss Killers*
There are a range of Moss Killers* on the market that contain iron sulphate where the concentrations and application rates are for moss control. These are classified as pesticides so follow the directions on the container and use safely.
If this is your chosen method then our guidance in any of the Weed Control sections may help with application.
Lawn Sand
Another quite common method of applying ferrous sulphate to kill moss is as Lawn Sand. This is just ferrous sulphate, with a dash of nitrogen fertiliser all mixed with sand to facilitate easy spreading.
If you have ever used Lawn Sand you may have experienced severe lawn damage as well. Unless kept dry, applied in the right conditions, evenly and at the correct dosage you can defoliate your lawn in days! I rarely use Lawn Sand because of this so unless you have the experience and confidence I suggest you give Lawn Sand a miss.
Ferrous or Iron Sulphate as Fertiliser
Granular Fertiliser
There are excellent winter fertilisers available that have very high iron content such a Lawnsmith® WINTER GREEN*. These pass nicely through any fertiliser spreader and therefore pose no spreading problems. This is a slightly more costly iron option but the time saved, together with the fertiliser content easily make up for it.
If you like things as ‘hassle free’ as possible then this is the method for you: just follow the application details on the product. Rates at the upper end of the application rate scale will cause blackening.
Soluble Iron*
You can also buy soluble iron or ferrous sulphate ‘as is’ and apply through a watering can with a weedkiller sprinkle bar* or by knapsack sprayer*. It is easy to get concentrations right, simple to apply, value for money and beneficial for the grass. Low concentrations give the lawn a superb green-up whilst higher concentrations ‘harden’ the turf against disease. Rates at the upper end of the scale will cause blackening. This is how most sports and commercial users apply ferrous sulphate whether as a fertiliser or moss killer. See the next page for more detail.
*Lawnsmith Products from this page:
