T in the UK , those that cause the most issues in gardens ,
TOP DRESSING
Moss
Mosses can become a real nuisance in turf and on hard surfaces , especially over autumn / winter and early spring
here are over 700 types of moss
T in the UK , those that cause the most issues in gardens ,
parks , sports fields / courts , bowling , golf greens or on hard surfaces such as paving , driveways , tennis courts are : springy turf-moss , pointed spear-moss , silver-thread moss , cushion moss , roughstalked feather-moss and common haircap moss .
Causes
• Moss thrives in excessively damp conditions , so where you have excess moisture from poor or slow drainage , sitting water , high dew levels or excess / leaky irrigation you will likely have moss .
• Shallow soils are not good for growing grass so in turn it becomes weak , this can encourage moss to grow as it will creep in where grass become weak and patchy .
• Cracks in paving and on roofs can retain moisture , providing the perfect growing environment for moss . Additionally , the lack of sunlight can help the moss thrive .
• Acidic soils are favourable , so these make it easier for moss to establish .
• Shaded areas and over hanging trees cause damp , dark conditions , often with dripping from overhanging trees , lack of airflow and areas staying colder
Hard surface cleaners such as MMC Pro or Prestige Super Hard Surface Cleaner are versatile products for large areas such as patios , playgrounds , tennis courts , driveways , block-paving walls and roofs . or humid . These are all excellent conditions for moss establishment .
In general , where grass is weak or areas are damp , such as high traffic areas , summer stress patches that have not recovered and poorly drained hard surfaces , moss can develop and because it doesn ’ t have true roots it spreads quickly , taking up as much space as possible to gain as much moisture as possible .
Control on Hard Surfaces Hard surface cleaners such as MMC Pro or Prestige Super Hard Surface Cleaner are versatile products for large areas such as patios , playgrounds , tennis courts , driveways , block-paving walls and roofs . As well as moss , they also clean away mould , algae and lichen without the need for scrubbing .
Control in Grass Areas Prestige No . 1 Lawnsand powder fertiliser contains 7 % iron which hits moss hard turning it black and allowing it to be raked out 7 - 10 days later . Alternatively , a soluble iron such as Prestige Heptasol or Ferromex liquid iron can be sprayed on to blacken moss for it to be raked out . For tougher moss e . g . Silver-thread moss , use Prestige Super Acidifier at 27 ltr / Ha in 700 ltr water .
For more information on moss control , contact a Collier Turf Care Area Sales representative or our office on 01328 700600 sales @ collier-turf-care . co . uk
6 GroundskeepingJournal . co . uk | November / December 2024