Moss removal roller

[Shia]

I have a large lawn and one area has a large amount of moss. It might be an optical illusion but I think I've stopped the moss spreading by using sharp sand as a top dressing then using a fork have pressed in holes to help drainage.

However, where we have started to remove patches of moss by hand we are left with patches of unsightly bald spots.

We have a large metal run for the guinea pigs which is moved daily around the garden and at the moment they're doing such a good job of eating that this constant rotation is allowing me not to mow the grass!

We have a cat and a puppy. Puppy will sometimes try and dig out moss and chew or eat it! Some moss has been pecked out by birds and used in their nests. Other people's cats call round to have a fuss made of them. We have no flower beds so there is no cat fouling.

I have bought a box of lawn moss killer that also feeds and weeds and promises to green lawns in seven days but due to the amount of animals in the garden I'm reluctant to use it. Vet says it's safe for cats and dogs to walk on once it's been rained on. However, it's the guinea pigs I'm concerned about as although we avoid the moss areas, there is a chance of them eating treated grass.

So, I've seen the Wolf Garten roller. Raking by hand has just caused everything to be ripped up. I'm wondering if this roller would be more effective.

Any suggestions, advice or recommendations on getting rid of moss from our lawn, please?

We did have a gardener but they were ripping off the home owner by charging £150 to mow the lawn each time and were also saying they did it once a fortnight but were coming less often!

So, the lawn is now in our hands!

Thank you.

[Shia]

www.gogarden.co.uk/wolf-garten-multi-change-roller-moss-removal-rake-urm3.html?language=en&currency=GBP&gclid=CIuXl6Kcx78CFcoBwwodz5EAIQ

[Plumpciousness]

I haven't used a hand tool like that but there are reviews of it on Amazon: www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/B0001FP0F4?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

You know you have to buy the handle separately?

Personally, depending on the size of your lawn and your garden shed, I would consider getting an electric scarifier (like a lawn mower but rakes instead of cuts). Examples available at B&Q search.diy.com/search?w=lawn+scarifier. It's far easier to push one of those around than spend hours hand-raking.

[Ferguson]

Other replies have beaten me to it!

Yes, the Wolf wheeled scarifier is very good, and I used one for years. As other reply said, depending on size or lawn, and finances, an electric one is even better.

Aerating the lawn, so air gets into the soil and reduces the wet that causes moss, is needed as well, otherwise moss will always come back.

WARNING! the tines on the Wolf tool are VERY SHARP, so handle with care, and week away from children.

When using electric mowers or similar, have an RCD cut-out safety plug, around £10 or less. Avoids electrocution!

[Ferguson]

Sorry - that should be Keep away from children.