Moss Killer for Lawns

Ferrous Sulphate

The traditional product and greenkeepers favourite moss control product is sulphate of iron; also known as iron or ferrous sulphate. Its chemical formula is FeSO4. It is the moss killing component of moss killers and lawn sand and is commonly sold in the green keeping industry as a fertiliser under the name of Ferrous Sulphate or Soluble Iron. It may also be combined with other elements and can therefore be used as a general fertiliser. Our high iron winter fertiliser called Winter Green is such a product.

The most common way of applying a ferrous sulphate based moss killer is to spray it in solution a week or two prior to raking out the moss. The moss is partially desiccated and is thus easier to remove. However, there are two other opportunities to use it that may make getting rid of moss easier and more efficient.

MossOff

This is a natural chemical free and works completely differently to ferrous sulphate. Because it is safe for use where pets and children may want to use the lawn after treating it is a useful addition to the lawnsmiths treatment program.

Use for Moss Suppression

Firstly we can use these products to inhibit moss growth so that we enter spring with considerably less moss had we not taken action. By applying these, usually by sprayer or watering can during the moss growth period, anytime from late autumn through to spring you will at least kill the exposed upper layer of moss. Though they are brilliant at killing moss they have their limitations when the moss is very deep. They will only penetrate 1 to 2cms into the moss so if you’ve got more depth than this the moss underneath may well remain alive. Therefore, if you know your lawn is prone to heavy moss infestations, starting your treatments in October before the moss gets too deep will be beneficial.

Even though the bottom layer of moss may remain alive, the killing of the top layer will stop light getting to the living bottom layer and the progress of the moss will be halted for perhaps 6 to 8 weeks. This is an easy and cost effective approach to moss control without the need for removal by raking, particularly if your lawn is not smothered. This treatment can be repeated every 4 to 8 weeks over the winter months if required.

If at the same time you have improved the local environmental factors a little, together with improved lawn care practices, you may well have made conditions more favourable for the grass. This together with a moss killer could bring about the desired result. If not, then the moss will have to be removed. See Moss Removal.