Grass blackening help needed

James.berry1989

I recently bought some Westland 4 in 1 to kill moss and weeds within the grass and also to make existing grass green. I applied it as per the instructions and now I've got black patches. I have mown the lawn and I can rake out the dead moss this weekend according to the guidance. I am also aware that it says on the box any blackening to grass is just temporary, but I am concerned by how patchy it has become. I've popped some photos on this post so if anyone believes I may be in trouble, or that things will sort themselves out in time , that would be hugely appreciated.

Cheers

Dovefromabove

It's ok ... it will get better ... rake out all that moss and thatch and within the next few weeks the grass will begin to green up and by the time the summer comes you'll have a lush green lawn.  

Just one point ... I wouldn't mow it quite as close as that this early in the season ... in fact I never cut my grass that short ... a slightly longer but lush lawn looks greener and thicker ... cut little and often 

James.berry1989

Cheers Dove. A fellow Norfolkonian too. All good. You've put my mind at ease somewhat, and I will certainly go with your advice on the mowing itself. 

Dovefromabove

Well, strictly speaking I'm a Suffolk girl ... and a Tractor Girl at that ... but I whisper it quietly as I've been transplanted and it really is quite nice up here 

James.berry1989

haha, fair enough. Thanks again for the advice though.

KT53

The black is normal.  It just shows how much moss was in the lawn.  I want to treat my lawn, but as the instructions say to apply to dry grass I may have a long wait!

danielthefrazer

Did you apply it scattering by hand? A nice visible example of why you should use a spreader! The grass isn't black... the moss is black. This is a good thing. Leave it 2-3 weeks, rake it out and don't worry if you leave some behind. It finds it's way into the lawnmower bag eventually. 

James.berry1989

KT: Yea, there was a lot of moss in there, agreed. Applied when baking dry last week so was ideal, but rain for the next few days where I am at least so you might not have much joy. 

Daniel:I did apply it by hand, yes. A spreader will certainly be a good investment going forward though. I'm sure I can pick one up on the cheap. Will give it a bit of a rake at the weekend to see if I can start getting rid of it, and repeat a few days later. 

James.berry1989

Went round with a rake, raking lightly tonight. Improving? Looks like mud patches maybe, but most is straw coloured grass I think. Photos attached. 

DampGardenMan

Did you figure out why the moss was there in the first place? If you didn't, and the cause has not been fixed, then I hate to say it but the moss may return. Only time will tell, but keep your eyes open!

James.berry1989

Cheers for comment, damp. No, we've not lived here long so we are just sorting out what we can see as issues at the moment. Will certainly keep an eye out though. Just hoping the grass greens up again.