Monty Don’s clever tip to remove lawn moss and ensure your grass ‘grows thicker than ever’

Moss is a prevalent problem in lawns and gardens , flourishing in damp, shaded areas. It forms thick, carpet-like patches and competes with grass for nutrients and moisture. Moss thrives in poorly maintained lawns where the grass is sparse, and the soil is undernourished.

These conditions allow moss and weeds to gain an advantage. It can seem like a vicious cycle as a poor lawn encourages more moss, and more moss further weakens your grass. Some harsh chemical treatments are available that will eradicate the moss in your lawn.



However, these chemicals can harm your soil and the wildlife that depends on your garden for survival. Fortunately, gardening guru Monty Don has come to the rescue, sharing how to remove moss naturally and correctly—and all you need is a fork. Monty asserted that moss is “always a symptom” of poor drainage, which is exacerbated by shade.

He clarified that the “answer” to moss is to tackle it at least once a year by sticking a fork in the ground and wiggling it around, repeating this process every six inches. This technique is known as aeration. After using the fork, combine equal parts of sieved topsoil, sharp sand, and leaf mould or compost.

The 69-year-old claimed that sharp or silver sand will suffice if these items aren’t readily available. After aerating your lawn, Monty Don advises spreading sand and compost over the area and working it with a stiff broom to enhance drainage and nourish the grass. Next, he recommends giving the turf a thorough "good scratch" using a wire rake to remove moss and improve light and water penetration to the soil and roots.

Once you’ve collected the debris for composting, trim the lawn. Monty said: “It will look a little bald for a week or so but will grow back thicker than ever.” He also cautioned against cutting the grass too short during mowing, which can stress the grass, diminish its robustness, and promote moss growth.

Only remove one-third of the grass blade. If your lawn mower and blades are in good condition, cutting more frequently will not harm you..