Raking moss from a lawn in October may be too late in the year, according to specialists at Lawnsmith, as grass growth tends to slow when temperatures drop. The team explained: "You're too late not to consider raking the moss out, as there may not be sufficient grass growth for the lawn to repair and recover afterwards, leaving it open to even more moss."
Why October raking can backfire
Clearing moss can create gaps in the lawn, and if the grass does not regrow quickly enough, these bare spots may become susceptible to moss returning. Colder temperatures and wetter weather can also make it more difficult for lawns to bounce back from intensive maintenance.
Moss can become increasingly visible on lawns as the weather turns colder and wetter, leaving gardeners eager to tackle it before winter sets in. While raking it out might seem like the answer, doing so in October could worsen the situation, as grass may not have sufficient time to repair and recover after the moss has been cleared.
Natural ways to control lawn moss
Lawn specialists recommend using natural approaches to control lawn moss, which mainly involve keeping the area as dry as possible. Air circulation around the roots of the lawn may be restricted in clay or compacted soils, causing grass to "become stressed and weak".
Hollow tining the lawn could boost drainage and is best tackled in autumn. For larger lawns, putting in drainage pipes might prove a more effective, long-lasting fix.
Improving airflow to prevent moss
Dew covering the lawn is a familiar sight during autumn, particularly first thing in the morning. Yet when airflow is poor, dew can hang around for too long, leaving the grass constantly sodden. While this is "wonderful for the moss", the specialists at Lawnsmith pointed out that it is extremely damaging for grass.
The answer lies in boosting airflow and breeze across lawns by cutting back overgrown plant borders or shifting bulky furniture.
