If the lawn has become a carpet of moss, iron sulphate is usually recommended for combating. The iron sulphate is added to the fertilizer on the lawn and destroys the moss there. However, the use of iron sulfate against moss is not entirely harmless.

Iron sulfate is considered the remedy for moss, but it can also cause significant damage to other plants

Use iron sulfate against moss

Ferrous sulfate is widely regarded as "the cure" for moss in lawns. In fact, iron sulphate kills the moss and prevents the formation of new moss areas.

Nevertheless, the garden owner should be aware that iron sulphate is corrosive, if not directly poisonous. This can damage other plants next to the lawn. The application of iron sulphate against moss is not necessarily the best solution for the soil either.

Suitable for lawns only

With iron sulphate you can only get rid of moss in the lawn. The agent is not suitable for other areas of application such as moss on walls, exposed aggregate concrete slabs, roofs or garden furniture.

These materials would be corroded by the ferrous sulphate and become stained and presentable.

How to use iron sulfate against moss

  • application in spring
  • wait for wet weather
  • alternatively blast the lawn beforehand
  • Dissolve iron sulfate in the irrigation water
  • Treat the lawn evenly
  • alternatively use solid salt
  • sprinkle evenly
  • Then water the lawn
  • Do not walk on the lawn for at least two days
  • Keep pets and children away
  • then rake off dead moss

In the case of heavily infested lawns, you should first pull a large part of the moss out of the ground with a rake.

A second application in August or September is possible in the case of very heavy moss infestation.

Alternatives to combating moss in the lawn

Whenever possible, you should avoid using chemicals in the garden. Scarifying the lawn in the spring is better than fighting moss with iron sulfate. It's more work, but it's great for garden health.

Prevention is better than fight

Moss develops on lawns that are very shady and damp or are not properly maintained. The best way to prevent moss is to take good care of your lawn.

This includes regular fertilizing. The soil should be loose enough to prevent waterlogging. If possible, only irrigate until noon in the summer, then the lawn can dry better by the evening.

Mow the lawn regularly. Grass length should be kept slightly longer on shady areas than on sunny sections.

Precautions when using ferrous sulfate

Iron sulfate is corrosive. This means that you have to be careful that neither liquid nor salts get directly on the bare skin or even in the eyes. Wearing safety goggles is advisable, as is wearing gloves that are resistant to chemicals.

tips

Calcium cyanamide is a good preventative against moss in the lawn. The fertilizer ensures dense green lawns in which moss cannot find a place.

Category:

Vegetable garden