Why it's time to forget perfectly manicured grass — an Irish moss lawn is the eco option to try instead

While everyone loves the idea of an expanse of lush green lawn the truth is it's hard to keep one looking pristine due to a combination of factors, but especially wear and tear, weed invasion and brown patches in hot summer weather. Keeping a traditional turf lawn looking good is a costly and time-consuming business.

If you're considering digging up the turf and are looking for alternative ideas then Irish moss could be the solution. As well as options like clover, chamomile and creeping thyme, Irish moss is gaining momentum as a more relaxed approach to having good-looking green lawn ideas without the inconvenience of mowing and maintenance.

Now find out why you're going to be hearing a lot more about this popular new moss and why, in fact, it isn't really a moss at all.

What is an Irish moss lawn?

An Irish moss lawn is an attractive alternative to traditional turf grass that has a mass of small star-shaped white flowers. These eventually turn into seed pods that look like pearls, and because of this Irish moss is also known as Pearlwort.

"Irish moss is not actually a type of moss, but is instead a perennial ground cover plant that can be used as an alternative to grass for lawns," explains horticultural expert and Irish moss expert Graham Smith of LBS Horticulture. The good news is it's evergreen too.

Irish moss lawns are becoming increasingly popular due to their lush growth habits and easy going nature. They create a soft, spongy surface underfoot that's lovely to walk on. Once established, you don't have to do any of the chores associated with traditional lawns either, such as resowing grass seed, cutting or fertilising them.

Graham Smith

Graham Smith MCIHort is the National Sales Manager at LBS Horticulture and lawn expert. He has extensive knowledge in the horticultural and gardening industries. He prides himself on using this to help gardeners of all skills create their perfect outdoor space.

What are Irish moss lawns suitable for?

"Unlike real moss, Irish moss is only suitable for gardens that are sunny or partially shady, and it does not like to be exposed to high heat," says Graham. "It needs soil that is rich and fertile, but it can adapt to grow in many kinds of soil if it has enough nutrients. Compared to true moss, Irish moss does not cope well when grown in full shade or wet conditions."

As well as being used as a lawn substitute, its low-growing habit means Irish moss works well in landscaping ideas such as rockery designs, and around stepping stone garden path ideas.

It's tough and hard-wearing too. "In our opinion this is the best lawn alternative there is," says the team at the Victoriana Nursery, online supplier of quality seeds and plants. "We have personally seen this growing as far south as a beachside lawn in Athens, where it was subject to heavy foot traffic, and as far north as Northern Norway, where it was happily putting up with snow, cold and heavy rainfall."

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How to plant an Irish moss lawn

"Irish moss can be planted using either seeds or plug plants," says Graham. "After the risk of frost has passed, choose an area for the lawn that is partially shaded or in full sun with well-draining, fertile soil.

"Rake roughly an inch into the surface of the soil, then lightly press the plugs into the soil. If planted from seed, Irish moss can be started indoors in winter or directly sown outdoors in spring, and the seeds should sprout within two to three weeks."

You can buy Irish moss plug plants from Amazon and compost grown block Irish Moss pearlwort lawn plants from Victoriana Nursery. If you prefer to grow seeds try these Irish Moss Pearlwort seeds from Amazon , which are a very economical option if you're planting a large area.

How to care for an Irish moss lawn

Once established Irish moss is easy to care for, but it does need certain conditions to get the best out of it.

"If you live in an area that can become hot, the Irish moss should be grown somewhere it will receive shade in the afternoon when temperatures are at their highest," says Graham.

Always water the plant in the morning to avoid premature evaporation, and aim to keep the Irish moss moist but not waterlogged. "Too much or too little water can cause brown patches to develop, and the plant is not drought tolerant so will need to be watered often in dry conditions."

In spring provide Irish moss with a slow release granular fertiliser such as Gro-Sure, available from Amazon so it grows to a uniform height.

You do not need to prune Irish moss, but it may require trimming to keep it back from pathways or stairs. The moss is likely to turn brown over winter, but it should come back to life in spring when temperatures rise again.

What are the disadvantages of an Irish moss lawn?

"As Irish moss can be very sensitive to the sun, it is best to only grow it in areas that receive shade or only use it for smaller areas of lawn," says Graham. "Over and underwatering can cause brown patches, and it can be hard to get the watering frequency right."

If there is too much nitrogen in the soil, the Irish moss will grow in clumps instead of spreading, so you will need to amend your soil accordingly by using plenty of mulch.

Irish moss can be tricky to grow from seed too, as birds like to eat the seeds before they can germinate.

FAQs

Can you walk on an Irish moss lawn?

An Irish moss lawn is suitable for walking on, as it's durable enough to handle light foot traffic. However, it's best to avoid walking on an Irish moss lawn until it has had time to fully establish.

How fast does Irish moss spread? 

Irish moss can spread by itself as it self-seeds, but it will not spread vigorously and should be easy to remove.

With all your questions on what is an Irish moss lawn answered now find out about other lawn alternatives such as red creeping thyme if you want more inspiration for replacing turf.