How to get rid of moss and weeds?

Hi all,

First post here and my reason for joining this forum - my lawn.

It's been like this for a couple of years but I've decided to do something about it now. As you can see from the photos below I've got quite a lot of moss and weeds in my grass that I'd like to get rid of. I've raked a lot of it out but having done that before I know it'll just come back, so I assume I need some chemical treatment.

I've done a bit of googling and apparently for the moss iron sulphate (leave a couple weeks then rake out) should work, and weedol for the weeds should work. Although I'd like to get a second opinion here.

I'll add that im in the Bristol area, not sure if that changes anything...







The edges are also bare once I rake away the moss. Can I just sprinkle generic grass seeds over it to fill it in?



Thanks.

 

On weedkillers, if you're going to use one, make sure you choose one specifically for lawns, which is selective to kill only broad-leaved weeds not the grass. Weedol is a brand and they make different kinds of weedkillers, some of which would kill the grass as well. Don't tie yourself to one specific brand either - lesser-known or shop own-brands will do the job just as well if they have the same active ingredients, and might be less expensive.

 

Mo Bactor is very effective for moss. They do one that is a feed and moss killer combined. Breaks down the moss naturally so no need to then rake it out. Big fan of it here.

Moss is usually a problem due to the conditions so you need to correct those, if possible, otherwise the moss will always return and any grass will struggle. The grass is struggling because of the conditions, which the moss enjoys - shade, damp and compacted soil.

You may not be able to do anything about lack of sun and/or too much shade. Compaction can be reduced by aerating the soil, this can also help with reducing dampness. There are grass seed mixes sold which are more shade tolerant but in a very shady garden you will always struggle.

Am sure one of the lawn experts will be along shortly.

 

There is no shame in having a diverse sward with flowering species; in fact many go to great lengths to achieve such. Its a matter of balance, and opinion! Why have a bowling green if you do not wish to bowl ?
As stated above, moss is a symptom of a problem rather than diversity. Nature abhors a space and will fill it, according to the conditions.

 

I do agree, I think a lawn without buttercups, daisies and dandelions is a sad thing. And people can get very stressed and obsessive once they start aiming for the "perfect" lawn.

 

We have the low, creeping buttercups in our lawn and they are lovely. We also get a few daisies, I keep hoping they will spread but we just get two little clumps each year. Lots of clover too

 

On my back lawn I have a big clump of tall red clover and one of yarrow, I mow around them carefully! On the front I am getting lots of self heal, which is a beautiful plant.