Controlling Lawn Weeds and Moss

The official definition of a weed is a plant growing in the wrong place! We are all familiar with common weeds such as the dandelion, buttercup, daisy, and clover, or common grass weeds such as Yorkshire fog, but where do they come from?

Weeds can be wind borne, bird borne, even boot-borne and found in lawn clippings or as invasions from surrounding areas. What we all know is that they shade out fine grass, compete with the lawn for nutrients and spoil its appearance.

When it comes to weeds - prevention is better than cure and the advice later in this guide will minimise the onset of weeds. However, if weeds do occur there are mechanical and chemical methods of controlling them.

Good old hand weeding for the occasional plant or two is only practical for small areas and raking and slashing through them with a knife can limit growth.
For widespread control, the right chemical weedkiller will ensure success although it is vital that you match a specific weedkilling product for the particular task - if in doubt ask for advice at the garden centre.
Moss is a real tell-tale plant - telling you that there is a problem on your lawn! · The main reason for moss is surface compaction, with the moss thriving on the layer of moisture unable to drain away on the surface of the lawn.
The keys to avoiding a moss invasion on the lawn are good aeration, drainage and soil fertility, and avoiding scalping the lawn when mowing.
To chemically rid your lawn of moss there are moss killers available in liquid or dry granular form.

Moss killers must be carefully applied following product instructions and once the moss has turned black or brown, then it can be scarified and disposed of - it makes excellent mulch to smother weeds under shrubs.

Water the lawn regularly if you are not limited with a hosepipe ban
Stripes are nice to see in a lawn, but make sure you cut in a different direction each time.
You can't stop birds dropping all sorts of other grass and weeds onto your lawn.

Lawn Specialist

Telephone: 0800 019 4849

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