Lawn care in spring: How to effectively remove moss?

by times news cr

Because lawns are not mowed during the cold season, moss can spread during this time. But there are some ways and means to get rid of the weeds.

Favorable conditions for the formation of moss

After garden owners have mowed the lawn for the last time in autumn, the meadow then goes into hibernation. But hobby gardeners often notice sooner or later that a blanket of moss is spreading across the meadow.

Moss is a hardy plant that turns brown and dry when exposed to strong sunlight and constant use.

If there are other plants underneath, they are at risk of rotting. Particularly favorable conditions for moss are features such as waterlogging, loamy and acidic soils or permanent shade. There are several options available to hobby gardeners to combat annoying moss.

Moss is a hardy plant
Moss is a hardy plant | Photo: © Juliane Franke #192621251 – stock.adobe.com

First option: use moss killer

To combat moss with a moss killer, hobby gardeners should follow the tips on the package instructions. Experience has shown that it is necessary to first shorten the lawn to a cutting height of two centimeters and then mix moss killer with lawn fertilizer. After ten days, garden owners can scarify the meadow and remove the moss.

When choosing a suitable preparation, it is important to get advice from a hardware store. If you treat the soil too intensively with a moss killer, you may cause soil acidification. However, this means that moss thrives particularly well. A good choice are moss killers that contain quinoclamine or acetic acid. Another proven alternative is lawn fertilizer with weed killer.

Shorten the lawn to two centimetersShorten the lawn to two centimeters
Experience has shown that it is necessary to first shorten the lawn to a cutting height of two centimeters and then mix moss killer with lawn fertilizer | Photo: ©stenkovlad #500626264 – stock.adobe.com

Second option: scarify the lawn

If possible, garden owners should declare war on unwanted moss in spring. To work, it should be at least 14 degrees outside. With this procedure, it is also important to initially shorten the lawn to a cutting height of around two centimeters and then to penetrate the ground lengthwise and crosswise up to a maximum of four millimeters with the scarifier.

Once the moss has been loosened, hobby gardeners can remove the weeds.

In the next step, garden owners start a soil test with a pH value tester. The use of lawn lime is necessary if the pH value is lower than 7. After ten days you should scarify and unhook the ground again.

Preventing the formation of moss: Helpful tips

Moss thrives primarily in shady conditions. In these areas, conventional lawns are unable to grow completely over. Hobby gardeners prevent moss infestation by using special shade lawns.
This type of lawn develops a high density that prevents moss from establishing itself optimally. The more frequently garden owners shorten the grass, the denser the meadow becomes. To avoid large areas of moss, it is advisable to shorten the utilitarian and shaded lawn to a cutting height of four centimeters. Ornamental lawns, on the other hand, should be trimmed twice a week.

2024-04-08 23:28:30

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