Artificial grass is low maintenance but everything has its problems. For example, moss growth is common during autumn and winter. This mushy and clumpy invader makes a turf look horrible. Given enough time, it can also damage the grass.
Fortunately, prevention is easy. Removal is also straightforward. All you have to do is physically remove visible traces of moss. Then, treat the grass with a moss killer. This eradicates the infestation and prevents regrowth.
The chances of success depend on how severe the infestation is. That’s why you must act quickly. This article will show you how to remove moss from artificial grass in five steps. We will also discuss prevention and eco-friendly ways to remove moss from artificial grass.
Why Does Moss Grow on Artificial Grass?
Moss needs dampness, warmth and shade. You can find all three on an artificial lawn.
Dampness is caused by poor drainage and a limited supply of sunlight. When drainage is poor, rainwater can’t escape. It forms puddles on the lawn. The limited sunlight also means the puddles won’t dry fast enough.
The sunlight supply problem can be caused by shade from debris, furniture, cars, bins, etc. The weather can also cause it. The days are shorter in autumn and winter. Therefore, the supply of sunlight is limited. That’s why moss growth is more common during these two seasons.
The final factor is warmth. Artificial grass is basically plastic. It cannot regulate body heat. That’s why it gets hot in summer. Shade and the water between the grass fibres also trap heat.
Combine dampness, warmth, and shade with poor ventilation; you have the perfect environment for moss to grow. There is one final element, though: organic matter. This can be tree debris, leaves, food particles, etc.
Organic matter is crucial. Moss can’t grow on artificial grass without it. Synthetic grass is plastic, usually polypropylene or polyamide. These materials are plastic. They don’t have the nutrients that moss needs to propagate and survive. Those nutrients come from organic matter stuck on or between the grass fibres.
Moss is not the only nuisance that grows in these conditions. Algae and mould may also show up. Either way, the affected area looks terrible and is slippery. The grass could also be damaged in the long run. So, let’s discuss how to remove moss from artificial grass.
How to Remove Moss from Artificial Grass: A Step-by-Step Guide
As stated in the introduction, the process is straightforward. There are just five steps. Here is a list of the supplies you need to remove moss from artificial grass.
- Plastic-tooth rake
- Power washer or pressure hose
- Moss killer: a non-oil-based moss cleaner or vinegar solution
- Soft sponge or brush
- Water
- Loopers or pruning shears
Here are some vital tips that will make the job easier.
- Choose a dry, sunny day: You will have an easier time. The grass will also dry faster, and the moss killer will have enough time to set in. All these increase the chance of success and reduce the risk of moss regrowth.
- Be careful not to damage the grass: You need soft tools and supplies.
- Use a non-oil-based cleaner: This also protects the grass from being damaged. Vinegar and water is an eco-friendly option.
Now, here is how to remove moss from artificial grass.
Step 1: Clear the Debris
The first step is to clear debris. Use the plastic-tooth rake and your hands when appropriate. Don’t use a metal rake. It could damage the grass.
Move bins, furniture and other items out of the way. There might be weeds around the edges. Some may even be on the turf itself. Remove those weeds, too. You can use your hands, the loopers or the pruning shears.
Some moss may come off during this step. That’s good. However, this is not the time to worry about moss removal. Steps 2, 3 and 4 will cover it. For now, simply remove weeds and clear fallen branches, leaves, waste, etc.
Step 2: Power wash the artificial turf
Use the pressure hose and power washer for this. Make sure the water pressure is not too high. If it is, you could damage the grass.
The goal of this step is to dislodge as much moss as possible. You may have to wash the grass multiple times. Then, identify and target stubborn areas.
If you are worried about wasting water, there are alternatives. You can use a leaf blower. You can also use a soft brush or sponge to scrub the grass. These alternatives are eco-friendly but power washing is much easier. Plus, even if you use a leaf blower or sponge, you still need to rinse the grass thoroughly.
Either way, remove as much moss as you can. Then, allow the grass to dry and move on to the next step.
Step 3: Apply moss killer
Once the grass dries, you can apply moss killer. This is the most important step for removing moss from artificial grass. So, you must execute it flawlessly.
Let’s start with the choice of moss killer. Use a non-oil-based moss cleaner. Vinegar is also good. Both options are effective. They won’t damage the grass or affect the environment.
Apply the moss killer according to instructions from the manufacturer. They usually ask you to apply the moss killer to the affected areas. Then, wait for the substance to soak and set into the moss. 10-15 minutes is enough.
After the wait, you can rinse. Other manufacturers may tell you not to rinse. Kindly follow their instructions.
If you are using vinegar, the process is the same. You need a solution of distilled white vinegar and water. Use one part each. Apply the mixture to the affected areas. Wait for it to penetrate the moss. Then, rinse. You can use a spray bottle to apply the mixture.
Whether using moss killer or vinegar, you must cover every inch of the infested area. Get in between the grass fibres. Spray everywhere. Soak the grass.
Step 4: Scrub and rinse
Once the cleaning agent does its job, it’s very easy to remove moss from artificial grass. The moss plants are dead now. So, they will fall off upon touch. However, you have to help.
Use a soft sponge or brush to scrub the grass. You may need to apply some pressure. Just be careful to avoid damaging the grass.
Remove and clear moss. Rinse the grass thoroughly. Then, allow it to dry. That’s how you remove moss from artificial grass. Now, you just have to come back for inspections.
Step 5: Inspect and take care of the turf
The infestation could start again if you don’t get all the moss. So, you have to watch the turf for a week or two. Brush the grass and inspect thoroughly. If there is regrowth, restart the removal process.
Preventing Moss Regrowth
As they say, “prevention is better than cure.” So, it’s not enough to learn to remove moss from artificial grass. You should also learn to prevent it. Here are some tips.
Good drainage
Poor drainage increases the risks of moss growth. Puddles are the biggest indicator of drainage problems. Watch out for them and find a solution quickly.
Regular maintenance
Take good care of your artificial grass and you won’t have to worry about moss or other issues. Remove debris and weeds. Then, rinse and treat the grass with a cleaning product.
Regularly inspect the grass for moss, mould and algae
It’s easier to remove moss from artificial grass if you discover the problem early before it gets out of control.
Remove shade from problematic areas
Remove overhanging tree branches and furniture. This allows more sunlight to reach those areas. Even the shade of your seating area may need to go.
Natural and Homemade Alternatives to Moss Killer
The most effective way to remove moss from artificial grass is to use a specialised moss killer. Non-oil-based moss killers are the best choice. However, there are others.
Here are some homemade and natural solutions that you can use to remove moss from artificial grass.
Vinegar
We have talked about this already. You need a 1:1 ratio of distilled white vinegar and water.
Dishwashing liquid
Dishwashing liquid and lukewarm water can also remove moss from artificial grass. Avoid detergents. They are abrasive and could damage the grass.
Baking soda
Baking soda can also remove moss from artificial grass. You need to mix 2-3 tablespoons with 950mililitres of water.
Conclusion
Now you know how to remove moss from artificial grass. Remember to follow those exact steps and use non-oil-based moss killer. You can use alternative moss killers, too. Just avoid cleaning solutions and techniques that can damage the grass.
Prevention is also crucial. Thankfully, it’s also easy. Regular artificial grass maintenance is enough to prevent moss growth. This also is easy because artificial grass is low-maintenance.
That’s one of its main benefits. That’s why more people are choosing artificial grass for both residential and commercial purposes. We even have an article on artificial grass for dogs and dog owners.
So, don’t let moss stop you from choosing artificial grass. Prevention and removal are not that difficult. Plus, you can always hire a pro if you don’t have the time or experience to remove moss from artificial grass.
