Moss is very common in garden lawns, just like weeds, as it likes damp conditions and thrives in shady areas.

Moss lawns feel spongy to walk on, and if you look at the base of the grass, you will see leafy green stems or fronds woven around the grass blades.

The underlying reason for moss taking hold is poor drainage, poor or compacted soil or grass in poor condition. 

This can be a continuous problem if not addressed as moss spreads by spores and quickly takes hold again.

However, gardening fans have come up with a way to remove it and stop moss from returning.

Battling with the issue of moss year after year, one gardener took to the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook page for some much-needed advice.

Mandy Brown-Callis said: “Hi, any of you lovely people have any tips on how to rid my lawn of Moss?

“I have the same problem year in and year out. My lawn now seems to be being taken over by the stuff. Most grateful for any hints or tips. Thank you.”

While many group members recommend scarifying and aerating the lawn, one user recommended a particular product that should be used first - iron sulphate.

Lasma Styles said: “Iron sulphate is used to green and toughen up grass as well as to kill off moss. 

“No need to bother with fancy moss killers, this works like magic in two days, and the moss has died. 

“Then you can scrape the blackened moss out and enjoy your green greener grass.”

However, before using the product Lasma urged that gardeners need to dilute the iron sulphate “correctly and not overdo it” as too much is “not good”. 

She added: “Apparently iron sulphate cannot be sold legally as herbicide, but really is the simplest and cheapest way to do it.”

There are a few brands of iron sulphate gardeners can choose from - one being the Pro-Kleen 2.5 kg Premium Iron Sulphate which retails on Amazon for £15.95. 

In the reviews, customers say that they are happy with the quality, and appearance of their lawns after using this product. They say it's very effective, goes a long way, and is easy to use. They also appreciate the solubility, saying it dissolves easily in water. Customers also mention that the fertiliser is straightforward to use and gets the grass nice and green.

The only downside of this item customers mentioned was that the contents of the container had less than 2.5kg of product.

Alternatively, gardeners can purchase the Cleenly Iron Sulphate for Lawns 2.5kg from B&Q for £13.95 which claims to “keep your grass stronger for longer” while banishing moss.