Yes—you can! Both thatch and moss can go in your compost, but they need a little care.
Moss should only be added when your HOTBIN Composter is running hot (to prevent it growing back), and thatch needs to be mixed with fresher waste so it breaks down properly. Add them in small amounts, alongside a variety of food and garden scraps, and check that any lawn treatments used are compost-safe.
What Exactly Are Thatch and Moss?
- Thatch is the tangled layer of old and new grass that builds up over time. Too much of it blocks light, traps water and can make your lawn look unhealthy.
- Moss thrives in shady, damp areas and can quickly smother grass if left unchecked.
How to Know If You Have Too Much Thatch
If your lawn feels spongy, looks brown, or unhealthy, thatch could be the problem. A quick check: take a sample and measure the layer—more than half an inch means it’s time to act.
When to Scarify Your Lawn
Scarifying is a process that involves removing thatch, which is a layer of dead grass, moss, and other organic matter that accumulates on the surface of the lawn. By scarifying you remove thatch and moss and helps your lawn breathe again.
- Spring (light scarifying): Warm weather and rain help grass bounce back.
- Autumn (heavy scarifying): The lawn has time to recover before winter.
- Avoid summer heat and winter cold—they slow recovery.
Tips Before Scarifying
- Treat weeds and moss first to reduce spreading.
- Make sure soil is moist (not too dry or wet).
- Cut grass short and let it dry before scarifying.
By removing moss and thatch, you’ll clear your lawn, encourage healthier grass, and create nutrient-rich compost for your garden—all at the same time.
Composting Thatch and Moss the Right Way
- Add moss only when composting in a hot composter (like HOTBIN), and when it is hot to kill spores.
- Mix thatch with food scraps or fresher garden waste to balance nutrients.
- Add in small batches, not all at once.
With a HOTBIN hot composter, you can turn lawn thatch and moss into rich compost instead of garden waste. Scarify at the right time, feed it into your HOTBIN in small batches, and enjoy a healthier lawn alongside nutrient-dense compost for your garden. Learn more on this website.