Algae and moss in your turf

1. Is your turf thin?
2. Is your turf "marshy"?
3. Do you see a dark green-black slimy layer in your turf?
4. Do you see short green fuzzy plants in your turf?

If you answer yes to the above questions, you have moss or algae growing in your turf. If so, your turf needs some care.

Algae - are dark green to almost black primitive plants that form a thin slimy layer on the surface of soil and plant tissues. They grow when your turf is thin, your soil is wet for most hours of the day and for several days in a row, and if your lawn is shaded. When algae grow, your turf needs some care. Generally, algae will not kill your turf, but they can cause it to turn yellow or lose its green colour. Often when algae develop in your turf, you can also find them on pavements, walls, and even the trunks of trees. Algae are quite easy to control, both on turf and in your garden.

Moss - is a collection of primitive plants which are green in colour. Generally they are not slimy like the algae but form a short, fuzzy mat in thin turf. They, like the algae, require damp conditions. Turf that is thin and wet will allow moss to develop. The same moss that grows on your roofs, walls and fences also grow in thin or poor quality turf. They have almost no root system, and will often break loose if stepped on.

A thick, healthy turf will not allow algae or moss to form because the turf keeps most of the light needed for the algae and moss growth from reaching the soil surface, where these primitive plants live. If your turf is thin you might need to solve this problem or replace the turf with good quality turf. In the event that your turf does not need to be replaced, then improving the growing conditions for the turf will help reduce both algae and moss.

Listed below are a few suggestions for improving your turf and reducing algae and moss growth:

1. Improve the air circulation so your turf dries faster.
2. Do not over fertilise your lawn.
3. If possible, allow more hours of sunlight to reach your turf (trim back shady trees or prune back overhanging shrubs etc.).
4. Make sure that your soil drains well and that puddles of water do not form on your turf.
5. Moss can be raked out from the turf.
6. Apply a topdressing to improve drainage and stimulate grass growth.

You can use chemicals that will reduce algae growth. There are also chemicals available that will kill moss. We recommend that you obtain advice about chemical and non-chemical grass treatment products directly from the manufacturers.

Remember: Algae and moss develop because your turf is thin and wet. Improving the growing conditions of your turf is the best means for reducing these primitive plants.