Moss killing in grass

[Im a BusyBee]

my husband wants to put something on our grass to kill the moss and weeds and promote growth - is this ok to do this time of year? if not when is good?

[Batman7070]

its a bit late in the season now but you may still get something called "Autumn lawn dressing" by Fisons it comes bagged in pellet form and you scatter it on the lawn either by hand or using a little wheel driven applicator.

Depending on how much moss is in the lawn your lawn may look a bit of a mess after application as the moss goes brown or black.

Ive given up using it as the moss and weeds always come back eventually despite the claims of the manufacturer

[Thunderbird+]

If the moss is a re-occurring problem, it could be that the drainage may need to be improved, this is done by spiking (hollow tining is best) then sweeping a lawn top dressing into the holes. It's quite a big job but may be worth it in the long run.
Regular scarifying with a spring rake also helps keep the moss away and it's also good for clearing out the dead moss and grass cuttings which can inhibit good drainage.

[hortus]

I can recommend a nationwide company called Greenthumb. The cost of the moss killer works out about the same as a greenthumb treatment. They also do feed and weed treatments. They are in the phone book.

[ChickyBoy]

A cost effective chemical for moss and some broad leaf weeds is sulphate of iron. I would initially spray this in solution over the mossed areas at this time of year, and then follow the advice of Thunderbird+.

In the spring when the ground has warmed up, spray the whole lawn with the same, as it will also burn the leaves of broad leaved weeds when thay are active, as well as killing any new moss.

The spring treatment should be followed by the treatment suggested by Thunderbird+, especially due to the fact that bare areas left by the removal of dead moss will allow weeds to flourish if left.

[Twenty20]

Just use a rake, saves putting chemicals into the ground - and it's good exercise too!

[shylock73]

Spike your lawn with a garden fork or you can buy a proper gadget from any garden shop then brush lawn grit into the holes to help with drainage.