Control
Non-weedkiller control
Borders and rockeries
For long term control of liverworts and mosses such as Polytrichum, aim for a soil pH that is close to neutral, i.e. pH 7.0. pH testing kits can be bought from most garden centres. See our advice on understanding soil pH and lime and liming for information on how to make acid soil neutral.
Where the soil surface compacts readily after rain, increase the organic content of the soil by digging in well-rotted farm manure, garden compost, processed bark or leafmould. Mulch with a coarse material such as bark or gravel.
In rockeries, weed out any moss and liverworts before loosening the soil surface and mulching with grit, gravel or slate.
Keep borders and other cultivated areas well stocked with plants. Bare soil can be kept free of unwanted growths by regular hoeing and raking in order to maintain a rough and well-drained surface.
Algae, liverworts and moss may also thrive in shrub borders where the soil has gradually become impoverished and the shrubs are sparse in growth or in decline. Hoeing off the growths will provide only temporary control in such conditions and may well damage shrub roots. Rejuvenate the shrubs by pruning out old and weaker growths in late winter or early spring, then feed them and mulch. The mulch will effectively smother existing growths and improve soil texture.
Containers
Algae, liverworts and moss are less likely to be a problem if containers are clean before use and a clean water supply is used. Where rainwater is used, ensure that gutters, fall pipes and water storage tanks are kept clean and keep stored rainwater in covered tanks to stop debris falling in.
With containers it is a simple task periodically to remove the liverwort from the surface of the compost and top up with fresh compost, or add a top dressing of coarse gravel. Where possible, replace with peat-free or loam-based potting compost.
Where plants are to remain in their containers for some time, a surface layer of grit will check unwanted growth of algae, liverworts and moss. This is particularly helpful with containers of slow-germinating tree and shrub seeds or with seeds of bulbous plants, such as lilies, which may remain in containers for one or two years before reaching a suitable size for pricking out.
Weedkiller control
Products based on natural fatty acids (SBM Solabiol Super Fast Weedkiller) can be used with care around garden plants, including those in containers. However, they will kill green plant tissue so are not suitable for using around seedlings or plants without a woody base. Weedol Fast Acting Gun based on acetic acid can be used around the bases of roses, ornamental shrubs and trees, and under hedges that are established with woody bark. These products are contact herbicides based on natural ingredients. They biodegrade on soil contact and have limited environmental impact.
To guarantee clean rain water for containers, thoroughly clean rainwater tanks and water butts then add a water butt cleaner such as AquaHydrotech Water Butt Fresh, Biotal Water Butt Treatment, Envii Water butt Klear or Just Green Water Butt Cleaner to help maintain clean stored water.
Algae, liverworts and moss will return unless soil compaction and impoverishment is relieved.
Inclusion of a weedkiller product does not indicate a recommendation or endorsement by the RHS. It is a list of products currently available to the home gardener.
Downloads
Weedkillers for gardeners (Adobe Acrobat pdf document outlining weedkillers available to gardeners; see section 2b, 2c and 2d)