Is moss bad for lawns?
Moss itself isn't harmful to your lawn, but its presence can indicate underlying issues that need addressing. Moss thrives in conditions that are unfavourable for grass growth, such as compacted soil, excessive shade or poor drainage. While it doesn't directly damage grass, moss can compete with it for space and resources, leading to a patchy and uneven lawn.
What does moss do to your lawn?
Mossy lawns may lead to an irregular colour and surface on the turf, with loose moss contributing to a spongy sensation underfoot. Though moss in grass spreads easily and can grow on all soil types, its presence doesn’t mean a lawn is doomed, killing lawn moss and moss removal from a lawn is possible. It’s vital to have good lawn care maintenance to remain moss-free.
What causes moss in lawns?
Excess thatch – Our lawns naturally build up a layer of dead grass, roots, and other matter which is known as thatch. Thatch creates an environment on your lawn which moss cannot resist
Moisture - Moss thrives in wet soils with poor surface drainage, commonly caused by soil compaction.
Shade - Too much shade creates moss-loving conditions, especially beneath trees/under debris on the lawn such as leaves. You need to allow as much sunlight to reach your grass as possible to hinder moss growth. Clean up and cut back overhanging branches, shrubs etc.
Mowing - Poor mowing will lead to moss. A scalped lawn weakens the grass plant and makes it more vulnerable to moss invasion. We recommend to never cut your lawn less than 1’’ in height.
Poor Lawn Care - Good lawn care is essential to maintaining a healthy, moss-free lawn. An unhealthy lawn will struggle to compete with moss. For your lawn to maintain optimum health, it needs regular feeding. Our nutrient and micronutrient-rich feeds encourage a much stronger-lawn which allows the grass to compete better with moss.
Say Goodbye to Moss – and Hello to a Healthier Lawn
GreenThumb’s Lawn Care Programmes include effective moss control to restore a greener, healthier lawn.
How to remove moss from lawn
NurtraGreen Autumn/Winter Long
Our NutraGreen Autumn/Winter Long includes a specialist micronutrient feed designed to boost lawn health during the colder months. This treatment helps your lawn recover from summer stress, strengthens the grass, and enhances winter colour. By improving plant hardiness and nutrient uptake, it also helps reduce moss and sets your lawn up for a healthier start to spring.
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NutraGreen-Spring-Ready
Our NutraGreen Spring Ready Fertiliser is designed for the unique needs of spring, providing the perfect blend of nutrients for optimal growth, what’s more is it only releases when the combination of moisture and soil temperatures are just right. Additionally depending on your lawns specific condition, we will also apply a micronutrient feed that helps manage moss.
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Lawn Scarification
Lawn Scarification is the mechanical reduction of surface thatch from a lawn. Thatch is a natural accumulation of organic matter that naturally forms on a lawn; however, when it gets too thick, it suffocates the roots of your lawn, inhibiting grass growth which weakens the lawn and encourages weeds, moss, lawn diseases, and overall poor lawn health.
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Lawn Aeration
Lawn aeration improves root health by allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach deeper into the soil. It relieves compaction, boosts drainage, and reduces thatch—helping prevent moss and disease for a stronger, healthier lawn.
Read MoreSee the Difference a Moss-Free Lawn Makes
Swipe through to see how removing moss and revitalising your lawn can completely transform its appearance. A healthier, greener lawn is just a treatment away.
Tackle Moss with the Right Lawn Care Programme
From occasional moss patches to widespread infestations, we have a programme to suit your lawn’s needs. Each level includes treatments that help reduce moss and restore your grass to full health, greener, thicker, and more resilient all year round.
Basic
Programme
Five expert Core Treatments delivered throughout the year to keep your lawn healthy, hydrated, and looking great.
Backed by nearly 40 years of lawn care experience, this programme delivers reliable results with trusted expertise.
Standard Programme
All five Core Treatments, plus annual Aeration and Scarification to boost lawn health and appearance.
These extra treatments reduce thatch, relieve compaction, and strengthen roots for a greener, stronger lawn.
Ultimate
Programme
Our most advanced plan, combining Core Treatments with NutraBooster+, Top Dressing, Overseeding, Oasis, Pest & Disease Management, and machine work.
Designed to deliver maximum lawn health, strength, and year-round resilience.
*Figures shown are approximate and based on available data. For illustrative purposes only.
More Ways to Master Moss
Discover expert advice, practical tips, and treatment insights to help you tackle moss and achieve a healthier, more vibrant lawn. These blog posts and guides cover everything from lawn care techniques to the science behind moss control.
Want a thicker, healthier lawn?
Aeration and Scarification improve overall soil health by boosting airflow, nutrients, and water to grass roots. These essential treatments reduce compaction and thatch, promoting stronger, greener, and more resilient grass.
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Why Lawn Care Helps
Professional lawn care delivers better results than DIY. Expert treatments and regular maintenance create healthier grass, fewer weeds, and more free time for you to enjoy your lawn.
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Show Moss Who's Boss
Moss thrives in damp, shaded lawns and weakens grass by competing for nutrients. Causes include poor drainage, mowing too short, and compaction. GreenThumb treatments restore healthier, moss-free lawns
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