Gardeners in Ripon

Moss thrives in conditions that are unfavourable for grass: shade, poor drainage, compacted soil, low fertility, and acidic pH. Killing moss with a moss treatment only provides temporary relief if the underlying conditions aren't addressed. Scarifying, aerating, improving drainage, and feeding will create conditions in which grass can compete effectively against moss.

Bare patches are typically caused by heavy wear, drought stress, disease, or pest damage (leatherjackets or chafer grubs are common culprits in many parts of the UK). The cause should be identified before overseeding — otherwise the same problem will recur. Raking out dead material, loosening the surface, overseeding with an appropriate grass mix, and keeping it watered is the basic approach.

Thatch is the layer of dead organic material that builds up at the base of grass plants. A thin layer is beneficial, but a thick thatch layer prevents water and nutrients from penetrating the soil, creates a habitat for pests and diseases, and makes the lawn feel spongy underfoot. Annual scarifying removes excess thatch and is an important part of lawn maintenance.

Avoid mowing when the ground is frozen or waterlogged, as this damages the soil structure and the grass. In summer drought, raising the cutting height reduces stress on the grass. In autumn, continue mowing until the grass stops growing but raise the height slightly to avoid scalping. During winter, mowing is generally not needed but keep an eye on growth in mild spells.