Moss can be a big problem for some lawns. It often starts in the dark, damp areas of your yard and slowly spreads, covering the soil and preventing your grass from coming in thick and dense.
The best moss killer for lawns not only kills the moss, but also feeds and nourishes your grass, so it reclaims its space and grows back greener, thicker, and healthier.
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Why Does Moss Grow in My Lawn?
Grass loves the sun, and moss thrives in the shadows, so it’s not always easy to understand why they’re competing for space in your yard.
Moss typically starts in shady areas and spreads, particularly if you have a lot of trees or shade-causing plants in your yard.
Shade is one of the causes of moss growth, but there are some other factors as well.
Most lawn grasses prefer a neutral or slightly alkaline pH. Anything lower than a pH of 6.5 is a little too acidic for grass, but it’s perfect for moss. In acidic soil, moss thrives and quickly spreads and takes over.
Soil pH affects the availability of nutrients in the soil, which means that grass has a hard time absorbing them. This means that not only is moss thriving, but the grass is at a significant disadvantage and quickly loses ground.
Moss also prefers moisture. If you’re overwatering your lawn or live in an area where there is a lot of rainfall and your lawn is not able to dry, you’re more likely to see moss flourishing.
If you have a drainage issue, you may need to install pipes or a French drain to encourage water to drain after heavy rainfall. If the water is coming from an underground spring, you may need to add some moisture-loving plants to the area to soak up the water and compete with the moss.
The 12 Best Moss Killers For Your Lawns
There are a lot of options out there when it comes to effective moss killers. Here are 12 of the best products we recommend for you.
Scotts is a well-known brand in the lawn and garden industry, and this turf builder with moss control is a great example of why. Not only is it guaranteed to kill moss, but it also thickens grass, filling in your lawn and preventing moss from coming back.
This product improves your lawn’s ability to absorb nutrients and water, making your grass fuller, greener, and healthier. For best results, apply during winter or spring when moss growth is most active.
Apply using a broadcasting or drop spreader, depending on the type of coverage you need. Apply this product only to your lawn and wait until a dry day. Don’t apply when the forecast calls for heavy rain and brush any product off sidewalks and concrete to prevent staining.
You can get this product in two sizes, covering either 5,000 or 10,000 square feet. In most cases, one application is enough. If you have stubborn moss that won’t go away, a second application six to eight weeks later should do the trick.
2. Scotts MossEx Moss Control for Lawns
Another great Scotts product is MossEx Moss Control for Lawns, which contains nutrients to improve the color of your lawn. This product makes your grass look thicker, fuller, and healthier while getting rid of moss for good.
There are two sizes to choose from covering 1,250 or 5,000 square feet. It’s safe for all lawn types, and you can use a Scotts rotary, broadcast, or drop spreader to apply.
For best results, apply in the winter or spring when the lawn is moist, preferably after mowing the lawn so that it’s easier for the product to come in contact with low-growing moss.
After application, your grass may turn black, but this is temporary and will go away after the next mowing. One application usually gets the job done, but if you need another, wait at least two weeks to reapply.
3. Scotts Moss Control Granules for Lawns
This Moss Control Granules for Lawns formula from Scotts kill moss, not your grass. They contain nutrients that your lawn needs to grow strong and healthy so, when the moss is gone, your grass comes back thick and full, preventing moss from returning.
Use this product on your lawn when moss is actively growing. For best results, don’t use a hand-held spreader. A broadcast spreader is a much better choice for even application. Before applying, mow the lawn, so the grass is short enough to allow the granules to get down to the ground where moss grows. Note that one bag covers 5,000 square feet.
In most cases, this formula works after a single application, but if a second is needed, wait two to four weeks before reapplying. Scotts offers a money-back satisfaction guarantee so, if you’re not happy, get in touch.
4. Lilly Miller Moss Out For Lawns Concentrate
If you prefer a liquid moss killer, take a look at this one from Lilly Miller. This fact-acting solution kills moss and keeps it from coming back. Plus, it contains 35 percent ferric sulfate to help your lawn come back fuller and greener than before.
When used as directed, this product stops patchy areas in your lawn from forming by preventing moss from taking over. Moss prefers shaded spots of areas with poor drainage. An application of Moss Out to these parts of your lawn quickly and effectively fixes the problem.
Application is easy, too. Use a sprinkling can or hose-sprayer and follow the directions on the label to mix the right concentration. One bottle covers 2,000 square feet, and it goes on quickly and easily.
You should see results within hours. The moss turns black soon after application with complete results taking about two or three days.
5. Lilly Miller Moss Out Lawn Granules
Lilly Miller Moss Out granules kill moss without damaging your lawn. Not only does this product stop moss from spreading and taking over your lawn, but it also feeds your turf and gives it a deeper, lusher shade of green.
One of the benefits of this product is that it improves the look of your lawn without creating any extra work for you. Why? This product doesn’t cause excessive growth or require extra mowing.
Instead, it improves the look of your lawn by allowing your grass to regrow in the places where moss has taken over. You can also use it in landscape beds and gardens when necessary.
When used as directed, this granular formula starts working right away. Moss turns brown within a day, making it easy to remove and prevent future growth. One bag covers up to 5,000 square feet.
6. Safer Brand 5324 Moss and Algae Killer
This ready-to-use formula from Safer Brand uses natural potassium salts to eliminate moss from just about any surface. It’s also effective against algae, lichens, grime, and liverworts.
One of the best things about this product is that its OMRI listed for use in organic gardening. Plus, unlike a lot of other moss removers, this one is safe for use on a variety of surfaces, including decks, siding, roofs, walkways, growing containers, and tree trunks.
You get results pretty quickly. In most cases, moss begins to turn brown within a day. In some cases, an additional application may be necessary, particularly if the moss is very thick.
The bottle attaches directly to your garden hose for quick and easy application. One 32-ounce bottle covers up to 500 square feet. While this product doesn’t stain, it does leave behind a salt residue, particularly on hard, porous surfaces like walkways and wood.
Moss Killers For Lawns in the UK
7. Pro-Kleen PREMIUM Iron Sulphate
You can’t go wrong with this three-in-one formula from Pro-Kleen. This iron-rich formula eliminates moss, improves the color of your lawn, and acts as a long-lasting fertilizer to encourage strong growth. That’s why professionals caring for parks, sports grounds, and golf courses trust this product to deliver results.
To apply, Pro-Kleen recommends mixing the fine-powdered formula with water and using a spray applicator. If you prefer, you can also choose to apply the powder directly to your lawn. Results are visible in as little as two to four days, and detailed instructions are included on the packaging.
There are multiple sizes available, too, so you can order just what you need, or buy in bulk to save a bit of money. The resealable tub makes storage safe and easy, so you don’t have to worry about any going to waste.
8. EverGreen Complete Lawn Feed Weed and Moss Killer
This product from EveryGreen eliminates moss and weeds while feeding your grass. The result is a thicker, greener, healthier lawn that looks amazing. Plus, the Water-Smart formula absorbs water and nutrients, which helps to protect your lawn against drought and other stressors by improving and strengthening at the roots.
Application is easy. Follow the detailed instructions on the label carefully to avoid overapplying and burning your lawn. Use an EverGreen or Scotts spreader to make sure the granules are spread evenly across your lawn. Then, water them in, keeping pets and children away from treated areas until after they have dried.
Apply this product from early spring to early fall. The results are pretty quick. Your lawn’s appearance improves in about a week. After two weeks, the moss is dead, and, after three to five weeks, weeds disappear.
9. Aftercut All In One Lawn, Feed, Weed and Moss Killer
This effective triple-action product not only controls moss, but it also takes care of many common weeds, including clover, dandelions, chickweed, and creeping buttercup. Plus, it acts as a fertilizer, improving the color and health of your lawn.
For best results, mow your lawn and wait a few days for weeds to grow back to allow for effective absorption. Use a spreader for even application and water in the granules well. Results are visible in as little as seven days, and, because it contains 22 percent more iron, it’s fast-acting on moss.
Apply in the spring as an early weed killer and fertilizer then again later in the summer to take care of any stubborn weeds or moss that stick around. Wait at least six weeks before reapplying. Note that your grass may turn brown after application, but this will go away as the lawn reestablishes itself after the moss is eliminated.
10. Viano MO Bacter Organic Lawn Fertiliser & Moss Killer
Vioano’s lawn fertilizer and moss killer eliminates moss while also feeding your grass, improving not only the look but also the overall health of your lawn. It also improves the condition of the soil, benefitting your lawn long term.
A great thing about this product is that it’s safe to use anywhere. Because it’s 100 percent organic, it doesn’t leave behind any black or brown residue. Plus, it won’t stain your driveway, walkway, or sidewalk.
This is a granular formula that slowly releases nutrients over three months. Detailed instructions are included, with settings for different types of spreaders. It won’t harm your plants and is pet-friendly, so you don’t have to worry as much about timing and keeping your animals off of the grass.
For best results, Viano recommends applying in March, April, and May, or in early autumn. There are multiple sizes available so you can get just what you need for the size of your lawn or garden.
11. Maxicrop Moss Killer and Lawn Tonic
Here’s a great product for those who prefer a liquid moss killer and lawn fertilizer. This product uses natural seaweed extract, ferrous sulfate, and nitrogen to kill moss and encourage grass to regrow. It’s so effective that moss turns black and begins to die within hours.
In addition to making your grass greener, this product also improves rooting to encourage long-term health. Its effects have been proven with independent trials, confirming that it increases the quality of your lawn and reduces environmental stress.
For best results, use between March and October, but don’t apply more than twice a year. If you have stubborn moss or want to add more fertilizer, wait at least six weeks before a second application.
Wait at least three days after mowing to apply, and avoid days when rain or frost are expected. Note that this product may stain concrete and other materials, so be careful to only apply it to your lawn.
12. Miracle-Gro Mosskill Liquid Concentrate
If you’re looking for a fast-acting formula, take a look at Miracle-Gro Mosskill. Not only does it control moss growth, but it also gives you a greener, richer lawn in as little as three days and continues to fertilize for at least six weeks.
This liquid formula is easy to apply using a lawn sprayer for wide application or watering can for spot treatments. Detailed instructions are included on the side of the bottle, and you can expect moss to be ready for raking within seven to 10 days after treatment.
For best results, apply between February and October when the grass is actively growing. That said, don’t use it more than three times a year. This product can stain concrete and other materials, so be careful when applying, and rinse surfaces quickly when needed.
When is the Best Time to Apply Moss Killer on Lawns?
You should always follow the instructions on the label of the product you choose, but there are some basic things to consider as to when is the best time to apply moss killer.
The best time to tackle moss is in late winter or early spring because it’s not actively growing so it’s easier to stop it before it spreads. While moss doesn’t die in the winter, it does stop spreading spores, so there is less risk that it will come back later if it’s taken care of early.
Some moss killers have very specific application instructions about when to apply. Most organic options are pretty forgiving, but chemical moss killers are a little more particular about timing.
For example, some products suggest mowing the lawn right before application to make sure the product gets down to the soil while others recommend waiting a few days to make sure weeds are taken care of, too.
Some moss killers need to be watered in to be effective, while others should be applied on a dry day. Again, it’s important to follow the package directions carefully to see what the manufacturer of your moss killer recommends.
How to Use Moss Killer on Lawns?
Liquid moss killers are usually diluted with water and applied to the lawn using a sprayer or watering can. For granules, most brands suggest using a broadcast spreader to make sure you get an even application over the entire lawn.
As we mentioned, some products will need to be watered in while others will need time to dry. Moss will turn brown or black when it’s dead. When this happens, you have to go into your yard and physically rake up or remove the dead moss.
After that, the lawn will need some time to fill in the empty spaces in the soil. That’s precisely why most of these products are also fertilizers. One of the ways to prevent moss from coming back is to strengthen the grass. This way, it’s strong and healthy enough to crowd out the moss.
Some products stain just about every surface they come in contact with, so you should avoid getting them on your driveway, walkways, decking, or lawn decor. That said, most of the organic options are safe to use on these surfaces, so be sure to factor that in when making your decision.
Can You Apply Moss Killer and Fertilizer at the Same Time?
You can, but it gets a little tricky if you’re trying to mix sprays and granular products. For example, if you’re using a liquid moss killer and want to add a granular fertilizer, you can’t apply them at the same time.
Why? Because the liquid formula will need to be completely effective while the granular fertilizer has to be watered in. So, it’s not that you can’t use two different products at once, it’s that application gets a little complicated.
That’s why the products we recommended are so good. Most of them include a moss killer and fertilizer so they’re already formulated to do both. You don’t have to worry about a second product because one takes care of everything. Some are even weed killers, too.
Conclusion
Moss can be tricky to get rid of, which is why it’s so important to use the right moss killer.
Most of these products also act as fertilizers. This is essential in the battle against moss. You not only need to get rid of it, but you also have to make sure your grass is healthy enough to take over dead patches to fill out your lawn and keep moss from coming back.
Because there are so many effective products to choose from, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Some of these products are liquid; others are granular. Some need watered in, others have to be completely dry to be effective.
Since every product is different, be sure to read the label and application instructions carefully. That’s the best way to get the results you’re looking for and to make sure your lawn is as green and lush as possible.
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