
You look at your lush lawn from your window, it’s beautiful. The brilliant green blades are perfectly trimmed, almost inviting to come and sit in the sunshine. It seems so perfect in the daylight. But wait, what is that over there, moss? Oh no! But don’t worry, there’s no need to stress, we’ve got you covered! In this article we show you how to remove moss from lawn without damaging your grass, by taking advantage of the best moss killer for lawns.
Image
Product
Pro-Kleen 2.5 KG PREMIUM Iron Sulphate (Makes up to 2500L When Diluted & Covers up to 2500m2) - Iron Lawn Conditioner and Turf Hardener. Dry Powder soluble in water
Maxicrop Moss Killer + Lawn Tonic 2.5L
Lawn VivaGreen MossOff - 5 Litre Large Size
Miracle-Gro 15018 Evergreen Complete 4-in-1 Lawn Food - 200 m2, 7 kg, Lawn Food, Weed & Moss Control,
Accolade
Best Moss Killer For Lawns
Best Moss Killer And Lawn Feed
Best Natural Moss Killer
Best Weed Feed and Moss Killer For Lawns
Purpose
Moss Killer, Lawn Fertiliser
Moss Killer, Lawn Fertiliser
Moss Killer Only
Moss Killer, Weed Killer, Lawn Fertiliser
Image
Product
Pro-Kleen 2.5 KG PREMIUM Iron Sulphate (Makes up to 2500L When Diluted & Covers up to 2500m2) - Iron Lawn Conditioner and Turf Hardener. Dry Powder soluble in water
Accolade
Best Moss Killer For Lawns
Purpose
Moss Killer, Lawn Fertiliser
More Info
Image
Product
Maxicrop Moss Killer + Lawn Tonic 2.5L
Accolade
Best Moss Killer And Lawn Feed
Purpose
Moss Killer, Lawn Fertiliser
More Info
Image
Product
Lawn VivaGreen MossOff - 5 Litre Large Size
Accolade
Best Natural Moss Killer
Purpose
Moss Killer Only
Image
Product
Miracle-Gro 15018 Evergreen Complete 4-in-1 Lawn Food - 200 m2, 7 kg, Lawn Food, Weed & Moss Control,
Accolade
Best Weed Feed and Moss Killer For Lawns
Purpose
Moss Killer, Weed Killer, Lawn Fertiliser
More Info
At the beginning of a moss infestation, it might not look like a massive problem because moss is green and short like your lawn. It may even seem like your yard is having all its empty spots filled. But the thing is, if you leave the moss to continue to grow, it will slowly destroy your beautiful lawn by competing with your grass for moisture and food.
Lawn moss is a weed, and like most weeds, it won’t stop until it has suffocated your entire garden.
If you have a moss problem, don’t panic. We have the perfect remedies to get rid of it fast so you can be back to enjoying your beautiful green lawn without constantly having to worry about moss ruining it.
In this article, we will be considering the best moss killer for lawns in the market that will kill the moss growth without destroying your lawn. You can find all of these recommended products on Amazon.
Without any further delay, let’s consider the best products to remove moss from lawns without killing your lawn.
Moss Killers For Lawns
Moss is not like regular weeds, and as a result weed killers, even natural ones, can’t kill moss. Luckily, the same factors that make grasses struggle makes moss flourish —shady areas, poor drainage, acidic soil, and compacted soil. So eliminating these factors will not only help to remove moss but also help your grass to grow. If you manage these factors and use a moss killer to kill moss, you’ll have the problem under control in no time!
Several moss killers are available, and some are made specifically for lawns. These moss killers for lawns will only kill the moss while protecting the rest of your yard.
Below is our recommended list of moss killers to remove moss from your lawn:
Best Moss Killer For Lawns – Pro-Kleen Iron Sulphate
- Completely transform your lawn with Pro-Kleen's powerful Iron Sulphate - Join thousands of customers who have been amazed at how quickly it helped them achieve a lush, dark green lawn, hardened turf, and helped suppress worm casts! It can be used at any time of the year to fertilise your grass and give it the TLC it deserves
- Pro-Kleen's Iron Sulphate is a fine powdered grade that has TWICE the coverage of damp, industrial, or crystal iron sulphate providing you with exceptional value for money. It's also provided in a secure clip top tub to ensure the quality isn't affected when in storage
- This sulphate of iron is a rich, long-lasting fertiliser that's used by professional lawn keepers, park keepers and sports groundsmen on lawns, pitches, and golfing greens!
The first moss killer for lawns on our list is Pro-Kleen Iron Sulphate. It is number one on the list for a reason; several professional gardeners and groundskeepers trust it to do the work perfectly well.
Pro-Kleen Iron Sulphate is a dry powder that easily dissolves when mixed with water. Using it is very easy. First, you mix the dry powder with water (the product container specifies the amount of water to use). Next, pour the mixture into a backpack sprayer or a hand sprayer and cover the affected areas. Leave it for a few hours. The moss will turn black after a few hours and then die within seven to ten days.
Please note that if the moss infestation is high, it is best to use a rake to take out as much of the moss as possible before applying the iron sulphate mixture.
The good thing about iron sulphate is that while it blackens and eventually kills moss, it does the opposite with grass —it makes it greener and healthier. How good is that!?
Benefits of Pro-Kleen Iron Sulphate:
- Effectively removes moss from lawns
- It can be used as a fertiliser to give you greener and healthier grass
- It hardens turf
- Softens grass
- Easy to use
Best Moss Killer And Lawn Feed – Maxicrop Moss Killer and Lawn Tonic
Maxicrop Moss Killer + Lawn Tonic 2.5L
- Seaweed extract with added ferrous sulphate
£24.90
Maxicrop moss killer is our next favourite moss killer for lawns. It is made with iron sulphate and has seaweed extract in it. It also contains 2% nitrogen that helps with chlorophyll production in plants.
So not only is it an effective moss killer but it’s also a lawn tonic that improves the colour and health of your grass. Brilliant, right?
The application process is easy, and more or less the same as Pro-Kleen. Mix the tonic with water (use the recommended ratio on the container). Pour the mixture into a backpack or hand sprayer, spray it on the affected areas, and then leave for a couple of hours.
If the moss infestation is thick, use a rake or shovel to scrape away as much of the moss as possible before applying the iron sulphate mixture.
Benefits of Maxicrop Moss Killer and Lawn Tonic:
- Kills moss, obviously!
- Seaweed extract that supports the growth of healthier-looking lawns
- Very simple to use
- It is very affordable
- There is a visible result within a few days
Best Natural Moss Killer – VivaGreen Moss Off
Moss off is a chemical-free moss killer made only with natural ingredients, like starch and natural oils that cling to the moss as a biodegradable and invisible coat. Because of the oily coating, moss cannot draw in moisture from the air, and since moss doesn’t have roots, it can not also pull water from the ground; therefore, it dies.
Moss Off is a natural product, so it will take a while to work. As the moss dies, it turns brown. Moss off is safe for the environment and safe to use near dogs and cats.
To use, mix it with water for easy application. It is best to spray it on dry moss. Use a watering can or sprayer, and make sure you drench the moss with the product. Next, let it dry. As it dries, it creates an invincible film over the moss. The moss will suffocate over the next couple of days and slowly die.
Benefits of Vivagreen Moss Off:
- Made without chemicals, just natural oils
- Remove moss from lawns
- Easy to use
- Good for the environment
Best Weed Feed and Moss Killer For Lawns – Scotts Miracle-Gro EverGreen Complete
Sale
- Creates a thicker, greener and healthier lawn whilst killing weeds and moss
- WaterSmart formula helps absorb water and nutrients more effectively, helping to protect your lawn against drought and stress
- For ideal results, apply using an EverGreen or Scotts spreader to ensure even coverage
Scotts Miracle-Gro Evergreen Complete is another great product you might want to get your hands on. If there is a perfect multi-tasking product, this is it.
Benefits of Scotts Miracle-Gro EverGreen Complete:
- Kills moss, our number one goal
- Destroys weeds at the same time!
- Promotes healthy growth and thicker grasses
- Boasts of water-smart technology that helps your lawn absorb moisture and nutrients better
- It gives fast results
- It is high in nitrogen and potassium
Apply the product to your lawn according to the instructions on the label. The brand recommends that you use the product between April and September. Do not use this product on lawns younger than six months old.
Home Remedies to Remove Moss From Lawns
You can find these products in your kitchen, and they can remove moss without being toxic to your lawn.
Baking Soda
Baking soda can help to treat moss infestations. Mix a small box of baking soda with water until it dissolves. Spray this mixture on the moss until it is soaked, then leave it to dry.
Baking soda treatment is more effective during late winter and early spring because the ground is cold. It will prevent the moss from growing.
Dishwashing Soap
This non-toxic option is an easy one to prepare. Mix dishwashing soap with water and add a bit of vinegar (roughly a tablespoonful). Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray over the moss-affected areas. You then need to leave the mixture for 24 hours to work. The moss will start to turn brown or orange. Once the moss is dead, rake it away from the soil and carefully throw it in the bin or your garden incinerator, making sure its spores do not spread.
How To Prevent Moss From Coming Back
If there is moss in your lawn, it indicates that a much larger problem exists— the problem could be poor moisture drainage, compacted soil, acidic soil or too much shade. Think of a moss infestation as the symptom of poor lawn conditions.
So after getting rid of a moss invasion in your lawn, you have to deal with the problem that initially caused it to grow. If you don’t, your moss problem will keep coming back.
Here are a few things you should do to prevent moss from coming back:
- Change your watering routine. Do not water the lawn until the soil dries out. It’s better to give your lawn a good soak every now and then than watering a little bit but very often as the former promotes deeper root growth. Moss loves and thrives in moist areas.
- Poke holes in problem areas of your lawn to deal with compacted soil —this process is called aeration. Aeration will allow moisture, air and nutrients to flow correctly through the ground. Aerating also prevents excess water in the soil.
- Test your soil pH to know whether it is acidic. If your soil is acidic (pH less than 7), make sure to balance the pH levels. Add lime to reduce adicity (and for reference, if your pH is over 7, you can add aluminium sulphate or sulfur to reduce it).
- Try to minimise traffic on your lawn to help prevent unnecessary compaction
- Remove any overhanging trees or bushes to reduce shade levels on your lawn. The increased sunlight will help remove any excess moisture.
Now that you’ve controlled the moss, what about weeds? The UK has loads of unwanted guests which commonly take root in your lawn. Check out our article on the best weed killer for lawns to get them under control!
FAQs
How do you get rid of moss but not grass? ›
Iron sulfate will start damaging moss in a matter of hours and effectively kill it within two days. This ingredient is commonly found in fertilizers and won't harm your lawn's grass. Glyphosate, on the other hand, is non-selective and will kill both the moss and grass it comes into contact with.
What is the best product to kill moss in lawns? ›Iron-based moss control products, such as Scotts® MossEX™ or Scotts® Turf Builder® with Moss Control which also feeds the lawn, are very effective at controlling moss.
What kills moss the fastest? ›Just mix equal parts vinegar with water and load it into the sprayer. Spray the solution onto the affected area and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes before you wash it off. The moss should die within a few hours and you can easily remove it with a scrub.
Why is my lawn full of moss? ›Moss grows in lawns due to soil compaction and excess thatch. Shade, soil type, drainage, and incorrect lawn care practices also cause moss to grow in lawns. It is important to remove moss from your lawn in order to make sure your lawn stays strong, healthy and looks luscious and green.
Why do I have so much moss in my lawn? ›Moss is most commonly associated with shallow, rocky soils; poor soil fertility; low soil pH (acid soils); heavy shade; and excessive moisture. If any of these factors are limiting turf growth, moss can invade the lawn and establish a permanent residence.
How do you spray your yard with Dawn dish soap? ›Dish soaps are usually applied to plants and grass diluted with water, typically in around 2-3 percent concentration. Experts recommend mixing a bit of vegetable oil with household liquid dish soap and water in a bottle and spraying it directly onto the affected areas of your lawn, then letting it soak in.
How much baking soda does it take to kill moss? ›Start by adding two or three tablespoons of baking soda to one quart (950ml) water in a large container. Stir gently until the baking soda has completely dissolved, and place the solution into a spray bottle. Wait for a warm, dry day and thoroughly coat the moss with the baking soda solution.
What kills moss naturally? ›The easiest way to kill moss naturally is with a mixture of 3 tablespoons of baking soda to 1 quart of water. Use gloves as you make this it a jug or spray bottle. Then apply to the moss and wait for the magic to happen.
How can I stop moss from growing in my yard? ›Conditions that harm grasses — moist, acidic, and compacted soil — are the conditions that make moss grow. The top ways to end your moss problem for good are to raise your soil pH level, dethatch to get rid of excessive thatch, aerate your lawn, fertilize, and reduce the level of shade that reaches the moss patches.
Should you cut grass before applying moss killer? ›When moss is a problem, leave the grass so that it's about 2.5cm/1″ long at all times. In autumn and winter leave the grass to grow even longer. Mowing regularly is great for your lawn as it encourages the spread of grass plants. Once you've mown your lawn, wait about three days before the next step.
Is vinegar or bleach better for killing moss? ›
Yes, vinegar will kill the plants, because vinegar is like acid rain, which can damage any green living thing. Bleach will also kill it. The dead moss will be easier to scrape off. Or, scrape it off while it's still green with a dull scraper, and hose down any earth that remains.
What is the chemical that kills moss? ›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.
For Lawns Plus Fertilizer 20-0-5 granules combine 10 percent iron with a nitrogen-rich, 20-0-5 lawn fertilizer to kill existing moss quickly and feed your lawn. Used as directed, you'll see results with moss in hours. Plus, the extra plant nutrients promote thick grass and help combat moss growth.
What herbicide kills moss? ›Nonselective herbicides such as glyphosate (Roundup, other trade names) will kill moss, but it will also kill or severely injure turfgrasses. Limit the use of glyphosate to spots completely covered by moss and where renovation of the site is planned.
Will grass grow back after moss? ›"There's a misconception that once moss is killed, it won't come back. But it will if you don't change the environment." Moss thrives in moist, shady situations on compacted soil, common conditions in the western areas of Oregon. When lawn isn't maintained properly, moss moves in.
Is it OK to leave moss in grass? ›Not only does moss ruin the aesthetic appearance of your lawn, but it also negatively impacts the health of your grass. Moss suffocates the grass by competing for growing space, and prevents essential water and nutrients from reaching the grass roots by absorbing them on the surface.
When should I put moss killer on my lawn? ›When Should I Apply Moss Killer? To kill moss, it must be actively growing. Late spring/early summer or late summer/early fall, when the weather is warm but not hot, is the ideal time to apply a moss killer, but do not apply the product to newly seeded lawns until after three or four mowings.
How do I grow grass in my mossy yard? ›But it can also be done simply by repeated top-seeding using shade-tolerant grass seed. Make sure to loosen the soil in bare spots and areas where moss has taken hold, and sprinkle new seed over these areas. Over a year or two, these areas will flourish as shade-tolerant, moss-resistant lawn space.
Is Epsom salt good for your grass? ›Keep Your Lawn Thriving
Epsom Salt is not just a good fertilizer for flowers or vegetables. If you want your front yard turf to look lush and stay healthy all year long, spray the lawn with an Epsom Salt solution once a month. This treatment helps grass seeds germinate and develop into strong blades.
Many people use their lawns to wash their vehicles or similarly, will pour their used buckets of soapy water on the lawn afterward. Unfortunately, excess soap to harm your lawn. While the water and dirt are perfectly fine for the yard, some soaps may be doing you more harm than good.
Is Dawn dish spray the same as Dawn dish soap? ›
Dawn Powerwash Dish Spray is a powerful cleaning agent for dishes. It's basically an improved version of a basic soap dish bottle, with a trigger designed to provide a continuous spray of concentrated soap, instead of pumping out a few drops to make suds on a sponge or in the sink.
How does Dawn dish soap kill moss? ›- For small patches, mix in a garden hand sprayer 2 ounces of dish soap and 1 gallon of water. ...
- Spray the mixture on the patches of moss. ...
- The patches of moss will turn orange or brown in 24 hours and eventually dry up. ...
- After raking up the dead moss, take it to an isolated area.
Once you have covered the affected area with vinegar, let it sit for around one hour. After this, take an old scrubbing brush and firmly scrub the moss away. Thanks to the vinegar, it should break away easily.
Does baking soda hurt grass? ›Dangers of Baking Soda
Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate – a salt. Because it is a salt, it can damage grass to which it is applied. Baking soda's alkaline nature can make it phytotoxic, even when applied in solutions of very low concentration, including 1 percent.
2. Treating Moss: Baking Soda. For treatment, use baking soda when rain is minimal and allow several weeks for the moss to die. Products containing d-limonene (citrus oil) are also effective at killing existing moss.
Does soapy water get rid of moss? ›Turning Dish Soap Into An Awesome Moss Killer
Like I said, I know this sounds odd, but mixing 60ml of dish soap into 4-and-a-half litres of water and then filling up a hand sprayer is one of the most incredible moss killing recipes you could ever come across.
Depending on the product you use, some moss killers should be applied to a wet lawn, others should be applied to a dry lawn so read the instructions carefully. If you use a regular moss killer containing iron sulphate, leave it for 7-10 and you'll see the moss turn black as it dies. Moss Off takes around 2-3 weeks.
Can you apply moss killer and fertilizer at the same time? ›If you are treating moss, rake the dead moss from the lawn after elimination. We would recommend waiting at least one week before applying a fertilizer to your soil. Be sure to use a fertilizer that has low or no phosphorus in it so that there are no adverse effects with the product.
How long after moss Killer Should I rake? ›Though the raking out shouldn't commence until things have warmed up on the basis you'll want to over seed as soon as possible afterwards, any application of moss killers can be done several weeks before raking commences. In autumn, just wait until the rains start.
What kills grass better bleach or vinegar? ›Vinegar for home use isn't strong enough to be effective at controlling weeds, while domestic bleach is harmful to humans and the soil. For an effective vinegar-based herbicide, use a proprietary brand, and if you must use bleach, don't expect to grow anything in the same place for a long while.
Does hot water get rid of moss? ›
Pouring boiling water on any growing algae or moss is a great way to help kill any growths on your tarmac driveway. Pour the boiled water onto the affected area of your driveway then, once the boiling water has helped to kill the growths, grab a stiff-bristled brush, scrub the moss away.
Is vinegar more effective than bleach at killing mold? ›Is Vinegar More Effective Than Bleach? Vinegar truly is better than cleaning with bleach when it comes to killing mold. The EPA does not recommend using bleach to kill or remove mold, except in special circumstances. In most cases, “a background level of mold spores will remain” after the application of bleach.
How often can I apply moss killer? ›It should be applied when the moss is actively growing. Per the product label: Make applications as needed, beginning with the first fall rains, during warm, rainy, winter periods, or… 47 of 62 people found this answer helpful.
Can you put moss killer and grass seed down at the same time? ›Moss Killers:
Moss killers should not be applied to newly seeded or sodded lawns until after at least 4 mowing's. Do not re-seed any bare spots until 4 to 6 weeks after applying a moss killer.
"There's a misconception that once moss is killed, it won't come back. But it will if you don't change the environment." Moss thrives in moist, shady situations on compacted soil, common conditions in the western areas of Oregon. When lawn isn't maintained properly, moss moves in.
Does vinegar get rid of moss? ›'Vinegar is a relatively cheap and easy method to remove moss from pavers. The acetic acid in the vinegar can kill the moss on your pavers,' a spokesperson told The Express. 'For the best results, use white vinegar with a solution of about five percent.
Will grass grow back after killing moss? ›If your lawn has been covered over by a thick layer of moss then chances are, the soil doesn't have the nutrients it needs to recover quickly. By applying a fertiliser you'll put these much-needed nutrients back into the soil. This will help the new grass seed to germinate and grow quickly.
Can I put grass seed down over moss? ›Moss in Yard Removal Basics
Similarly, you cannot just plant grass over moss and expect it to take. Instead, you need to treat the conditions that are causing the moss to grow in the first place. One of these can be an overly shady area.
Do not re-seed any bare spots until 4 to 6 weeks after applying a moss killer.
What will dissolve moss? ›If you've got stubborn moss marks, a half and half vinegar/water mixture can be effective for removing troublesome stains and is another cost-effective means of removing moss from concrete surfaces. White vinegar is the best to use and can be mixed in a spray bottle to quickly and easily spread across wide surfaces.
Does baking soda get rid of moss? ›
2. Treating Moss: Baking Soda. For treatment, use baking soda when rain is minimal and allow several weeks for the moss to die. Products containing d-limonene (citrus oil) are also effective at killing existing moss.