What is Lawn Sand? Discover how it helps controls moss, strengthens turf. Get tips on application, best times to apply, and benefits of lawn sand for sports turf.
What is Lawn Sand?
Lawn sand is commonly made up from 1 part Iron Sulphate, 3 parts Ammonia nitrate and 20 parts dry sand. The sand is the carrier to ensure an even distribution of the granulated product. Lawn sand suggests it comprises solely of sand and iron sulphate, but it also has an element of nitrogen.
The nitrogen in lawn sand promotes grass growth .The only downside of the inclusion of nitrogen is if lawn sand is applied during high-risk disease windows, it can increase the risk of fungal infection to the grass plant itself.
How Does it Work?
Lawn sand will scorch the leaf of the moss and dehydrate it, and in turn, if the moss canopy isn’t too thick, it will help in the reduction of the moss leaf. The nitrogen content of the lawn sand will push on the existing grass plants, allowing for recovery and thickening as the moss dies away.
Moss die back is usually within 1-4 days with removal after 7-10 days by means of mechanical scarification, verti-cutting , hand raking. This can be followed by overseeding the bare areas, as required to prevent moss re-establishing.
What is the difference between scarification and verti-cutting, read our blog HERE
Lawn Sand Uses
- Moss Control
- Turf Hardening
How to Apply lawn Sands on a Sports Turf
March to November are the main growing months for the grass plant, so to maximise uptake of nitrogen these would be the optimum months to apply lawn sand.
Application 12-24 hours prior to rain, will allow sufficient time for the product to gently scorch the moss. Apply in low winds to avoid an uneven application and apply to soils that are moist/damp.
Avoid any uneven application and overlapping, to prevent scorch potential.
Calibration can be tested using dry sand over a square metre. For more details on how to calibrate a spreader, check out this informative video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Why_NTI99IM
Lawn Sand Application Rates
Often applied at a range between 35 -70 grams per square metre, lower end around times of possible turf disease likelihood or use straight iron sulphate instead. One could also opt for a lower nitrogen-based lawn sand containing less nitrogen (3%) to help prevent disease risks. Nitrogen content of lawn sand commonly ranges between 3-7 %.
Sports
Cricket Square Moss Control-Due to the high risk of scorch risk of lawn sand, use outside the main mowing season is best practice, possibly before or after pre-season rolling or late in the year. Avoid contact with new young vulnerable grass plants, ensuring the product is very well watered in. Summer use could easily increase the likelihood of scorching the leaf of the grass plant.
Cricket- Turf Hardening/Disease Prevention– Iron sulphate could be another option from between, as there is no nitrogen for disease to work off, but do seek specific advice from your supplier.
Bowling Green Maintenance- Iron sulphate Nov- Jan and lawn sand Spring and Autumn, avoiding higher temperatures of summer due to high scorch potential.
Expect some blackening of the leaf, just after application which will grow out quickly.
Sand on a Cricket Squares?
A FAQ can be ‘should lawn sand be applied on a cricket square’’, as we don’t want sand on the square right? Sand in low volumes applied once/twice a year should not change the soil composition of the square, also don’t forget, loam is a mix of Clay, Silt and Sand.
Warnings
- Avoid applications if you have new young venerable grass plants, still at their one leaf stage.
- High scorch potential around foot, machinery, animal activity, so washing well in, is essential in line with label instructions.
- Uneven applications created by wind movement of sand on application and avoid overlapping.
- Avoidance of frosts or drought, which can both increase leaf scorch risk.
- Read and stick to the label and you can’t go wrong.
The Benefits of Lawn Sand on Sport Turf
- Cost effective
- Can be applied with a fertiliser spreader
- Treats moss and allows the grass plant to fill in areas, if moss cover is not excessive.
- Can slow down worm activity for a brief period.
- Turf Hardening qualities
Conclusion
Use lawn sand at the right time, for the right reason, with the right product. whether it is for turf hardening or moss control!
Let us know your experience of lawn sand, whether on Bowls Greens, Cricket Square or Golf Courses!
Blog written by Brian Sandalls and Mark Wilton (MWTurfcare)
