Recognize the foam
Before fighting moss, it is necessary to be able to recognize it. It looks like a dense cluster that will turn yellow in summer. It’s a rhizoid plant. In other words, its roots are rhizomes which are not rooted deep in the earth, but which remain on the surface. It exists 20,000 different species of moss. This is the reason why it is found everywhere. All the more so, since each of these species can multiply by cell division or by sexual reproduction with a spore.
To fight against moss, it is therefore essential to create conditions that are detrimental to its development. This way, you will be able to get rid of it naturally. In order to be able to do this, it is good to know that the foam has a tendency to develop more easily on clay soil, too poor or too acidic, but also when the floor is poorly ventilated. The lack of sunlight, stagnant humidity where the mowing too short are also favorable conditions for the appearance of foam.
Remove moss from grass
Here are several solutions that will help you get rid of moss and get a beautiful lawn.
Remove the foam by hand
If you have very little moss in your yard, it is possible to remove it by hand. Just hoe lightly around the plant, enough for you to pull it out. It is best to do this in the morning and in hot, dry weather to promote drying out and prevent regrowth. Instead, immediately sow sod so that weeds do not take over the place. If the moss has not been treated, it is possible to put it in your compost.
Change the environment
As we have seen, moss develops when it is in a favorable environment. So, if the soil is too wet and lack of sunshine, it will be able to proliferate. So, if you have the chance, try to let the sun shine through. This can be by reducing a hedge that is too high, for example. The sun will then be able to dry the soil and the environment will be less conducive to its development. However, this solution is not always feasible. In this case, you can also eliminate it and replace ground cover plants which will no longer leave room for foam. Choose plants that thrive in shade or partial shade, such as ferns, cyclamen, hostas.
Limit mowing
Moss grows more easily on lawns that are mowed too often and too short. So justspace the clippings a little and to ensure adjust your mower above 7 or 8 cm.
Aerate your land
If your soil is very compact, to combat the appearance of moss, it is important toaerate. You can equip yourself with spiked shoes and walk in your garden. Holes will thus be formed in the ground under the sole action of your weight. If your land is a bit large, it is possible to use a machine. You can then rent a scarifier. There are manual, electric or thermal to choose from depending on the area of your land. This solution makes it possible to rid the ground of moss residues, but also of dead roots, etc. Earthworms also have an important role to play. Indeed, by digging galleries in the ground, they aerate the earth, which allows water to infiltrate more easily. Finally, you can add sand to your soil to lighten your soil.
Treat your soil to change its nature
Usually, when there is moss, the soil is acidic. In this case, it is necessary to modify the nature of the soil:
- with powdered lime: it is possible to pour lime on your lawn which, over time, will cause the moss to be completely removed.
- with wood ash : we can, in the same way, use wood ash depending on what you have available.
Whether you opted for lime or wood ash, be sure to make them penetrate well so that they can reach the ground. Those are economical solutions that improve the conditions of your land. To do this, prefer a day without wind.
Feed the soil
If the lawn likes moist, rich soils, moss is content with poor soil. So we go feed the soil for a healthy lawn without moss. Different possibilities:
- You can opt for organic fertilizers so as not to impact the microbial life of the soil, which is essential for the good health of the soil.
- Another solution is a adding compost.
- You can also turn to amendments rich in nitrogen and minerals, such as phosphorus or potassium. However, it is important not to have too much of a hand. Indeed, any excessive intake risks creating an imbalance.
Do NOT use iron sulfate
In some chemicals, the composition includes iron sulfate. While this solution is effective in the short term, since it eliminates mosses, it will not act on the origin of their development. On the contrary, iron sulphate may even strengthen recovery, because by increasing the acidity of the soil, the moss is provided with an environment favorable to its proliferation. However, it is possible to find in DIY stores or garden centers effective biological treatments to combat moss.
Keep a place with moss
Finally, why not preserve a place with moss? Choose a place where you don’t mind. This one also has its role to play in biodiversity and participate in thegarden balance. It can be used as a ground cover in an area where nothing else is growing.