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Everything you need to know about Moss control
This page provides a wealth of information about moss. As you'll discover, completely eradicating moss is nearly impossible since its spores can survive for decades. The most effective approach is to treat moss with soluble iron whenever it appears, and reapply as needed to keep it consistently black (dead). While this can significantly reduce the moss problem, it may not fully eliminate it, especially as fresh spores, which form in spring and autumn, can be carried for miles on the wind like smoke. Mosses are small, primitive, non-vascular plants. They lack the conductive tissue most plants use to transport water and nutrients. Instead, moisture is absorbed directly into cells by osmosis. Like all photosynthetic organisms, mosses are primary producers that build biomass through photosynthesis. Mosses absorb their water and nutrients directly into their bodies, not through their "roots". Instead of roots, they have rhizoids, which serve to anchor moss to the ground but do not have a primary function in water and nutrient absorption. They lack a vascular system both in their rhizoids and in their above-ground parts. The books say that to cure moss you have to deal with the causes such as drainage and shade from trees. Well, in my experience, moss ignores what the books say and inhabits just about every type of lawn. I believe that having moss is optional. If you keep moss dead at all times, you won't have a moss problem. If you allow it to grow and spread, you will have a moss problem. Moss produces spores twice a year so should be treated in Spring and Autumn to kill the moss and prevent new spores ripening. A granular feed incorporating iron will reduce the moss to some extent but is not as strong as soluble Iron. The grade of iron that I supply dissolves well even in very cold water, it is widely used by professionals and works really well. One bag is enough to treat the whole lawn eight times so is very cost effective. There are cheaper alternatives but Iron comes in many grades and some can be hard to dissolve and very damaging to sprayers. At the dilution that I recommend it will blacken moss and I usually leave it and let the grass grow through, that way the surface isn’t disrupted. However, you can rake lightly but try not to disturb the rootzone. Be aware that any fragments of moss left on the surface can grow again. Find Soluble Iron in my shop HERE Be careful to wash your sprayer out very thoroughly so that no iron is left in the pipes or pump as it will re-crystalise and potentially ruin the sprayer. For spot treatment, a watering can and fine rose can be used. This application of moss control in spring and autumn will stop the problem in its tracks if you have an effective nutrition programme. Aeration is also important as moss does not like open aerated soil. Scarifying will usually only remove about 10% of moss and can be quite damaging to fine turf, so I try to avoid that sort of aggressive process if possible. The three main groups of moss found on croquet lawns are: 1/. Hypnum and Eurhynchium. These are fern like mosses and often make swards rather spongy. 2/. Ceratodon purpureus and Bryum. These are tufted mosses which are found on extremely acidic soils and known as "winter moss" because it appears in the autumn and vanishes in spring. 3/. Polytrichum. This group is has upright growth with fine hair like leaves (poly = many; thrix = hairs) but is not common on lawns except in particularly acidic soils. |
The quick way to mix soluble iron
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More information about Moss and Soluble Iron
Moss spreads in lawns primarily through spores, which are its reproductive structures. These spores are released into the environment and carried by wind, water, animals, or even lawn maintenance tools to new locations. Once the spores land in favourable conditions, they germinate and grow into moss plants. Here’s a detailed look at how moss spreads in lawns:
1. Reproduction by Spores
Spore Production: Moss produces spores in small capsules called sporangia, typically found at the tips of slender stalks called sporophytes.
Dispersal: When mature, the capsules release spores into the air. Wind, water, and even human activity can spread these spores across the lawn.
Survival: Moss spores are highly durable and can survive for several years to even decades, depending on environmental conditions and the species of moss. Their longevity is due to their ability to enter a dormant state and their protective spore walls, which shield them from environmental stresses like desiccation, freezing, and UV radiation.
2. Favourable Conditions for Moss
Moss thrives in areas where grass struggles. It spreads effectively in conditions such as:
Shaded Areas: Insufficient sunlight weakens grass, creating space for moss to establish.
Compacted Soil: Poor drainage and low aeration create an environment unsuitable for grass but ideal for moss.
Acidic or Poor Soil: Moss can tolerate low pH levels and nutrient deficiencies that grass cannot.
Excess Moisture: Overwatering, poor drainage, or consistently damp areas encourage moss growth.
Thinning Grass: Sparse or damaged grass leaves gaps that moss quickly fills.
3. Vegetative Spread
Moss can also spread vegetatively. Pieces of moss that are broken off during mowing, raking, or other lawn activities can regenerate into new moss plants if they land in favourable conditions.
4. Survival Mechanisms
How Soluble Iron (Iron Sulphate) Kills Moss
Iron sulphate is an effective treatment for killing moss in lawns. Its action primarily affects the moss itself, targeting its tissues and disrupting its ability to survive.
Tissue Desiccation:
When applied, iron sulphate dries out moss by chemically reacting with its cells. This leads to dehydration and causes the moss to blacken and die within days.
Acidic Effect:
Iron sulphate slightly lowers the pH of the soil surface, creating conditions that discourage moss growth. Moss thrives in acidic environments, but excessive acidity from the iron sulphate can be detrimental even to moss.
Impact on Chlorophyll:
Iron ions interfere with the moss's ability to perform photosynthesis effectively, further contributing to its decline.
Can Soluble Iron kill Moss Spores?
It is generally not effective at killing moss spores. Here’s why:
Moss spreads in lawns primarily through spores, which are its reproductive structures. These spores are released into the environment and carried by wind, water, animals, or even lawn maintenance tools to new locations. Once the spores land in favourable conditions, they germinate and grow into moss plants. Here’s a detailed look at how moss spreads in lawns:
1. Reproduction by Spores
Spore Production: Moss produces spores in small capsules called sporangia, typically found at the tips of slender stalks called sporophytes.
Dispersal: When mature, the capsules release spores into the air. Wind, water, and even human activity can spread these spores across the lawn.
Survival: Moss spores are highly durable and can survive for several years to even decades, depending on environmental conditions and the species of moss. Their longevity is due to their ability to enter a dormant state and their protective spore walls, which shield them from environmental stresses like desiccation, freezing, and UV radiation.
2. Favourable Conditions for Moss
Moss thrives in areas where grass struggles. It spreads effectively in conditions such as:
Shaded Areas: Insufficient sunlight weakens grass, creating space for moss to establish.
Compacted Soil: Poor drainage and low aeration create an environment unsuitable for grass but ideal for moss.
Acidic or Poor Soil: Moss can tolerate low pH levels and nutrient deficiencies that grass cannot.
Excess Moisture: Overwatering, poor drainage, or consistently damp areas encourage moss growth.
Thinning Grass: Sparse or damaged grass leaves gaps that moss quickly fills.
3. Vegetative Spread
Moss can also spread vegetatively. Pieces of moss that are broken off during mowing, raking, or other lawn activities can regenerate into new moss plants if they land in favourable conditions.
4. Survival Mechanisms
- Dormancy: Moss spores can remain dormant for extended periods, waiting for the right conditions to germinate.
- Rapid Growth: Moss establishes and grows quickly, outcompeting grass in poor conditions.
How Soluble Iron (Iron Sulphate) Kills Moss
Iron sulphate is an effective treatment for killing moss in lawns. Its action primarily affects the moss itself, targeting its tissues and disrupting its ability to survive.
Tissue Desiccation:
When applied, iron sulphate dries out moss by chemically reacting with its cells. This leads to dehydration and causes the moss to blacken and die within days.
Acidic Effect:
Iron sulphate slightly lowers the pH of the soil surface, creating conditions that discourage moss growth. Moss thrives in acidic environments, but excessive acidity from the iron sulphate can be detrimental even to moss.
Impact on Chlorophyll:
Iron ions interfere with the moss's ability to perform photosynthesis effectively, further contributing to its decline.
Can Soluble Iron kill Moss Spores?
It is generally not effective at killing moss spores. Here’s why:
- Spores’ Resilience:
- Moss spores are highly durable, with tough outer walls that protect them from environmental and chemical stresses.
- Iron sulphate targets active moss tissues, but spores in their dormant state remain unaffected.
- Chemical Resistance:
- Unlike the vegetative parts of moss, spores do not rely on photosynthesis or cellular hydration in the same way, making them less vulnerable to the mechanisms by which iron sulphate works.
