Is Your Grass Being Overtaken by Moss?

What is Moss Anyway?

Moss is a shallow-rooted plant that spreads by dispersing spores and growing root-like structures called rhizoids. The green stuff wet and shady areas starting in spring growing all summer long until it spreads beyond control.

It does not kill your yard or grass, but it will fill in where the grass is fragile and struggling. This can also indicate a deeper problem in the ground. Some of the first steps to truly rid your lawn of moss is to find the profound deep issue.

 

Common Underlying Issues:

• Compacted soil - Kills grassroots and creates a flat area for fuzzy moss to flourish
• Poor drainage – Always damp or swampy soil will suffocate grass roots and provide an impressive, wet area to grow in
• Low pH - Grass needs moderate or slightly alkaline soil to thrive
• Not enough sunlight – An unlit grassy area makes it difficult for grass to grow and it is the preferred lighting for mossy growth.

Once you have determined the problem, you can start the process of getting rid of the green moss and replanting the grass.

1. Start by administering a ‘moss killer’ to the fuzzy moss in your yard, which is more potent during cool, wet days. Mowing your lawn before applying it can help uncover hidden moss.
2. Once it is black and dead, rake the areas you want to remove it from and gert rid of it in a trash bag.
3. Seed missing grass areas with your desired grass seed.
4. Keep the ground wet until the grass has been fully established and is growing strong.

Prevent the Moss Before It Starts

Knowing how to annihilate moss isn't as important as having a hearty lawn. Mending what was wrong with your grass in the first place is the most important step to take when stopping green moss from returning.

1. If areas of your grass are receiving less then 3 hours of light per day, you can trim tree branches to allow more sunlight to come through. For shadier areas with 3-4 hours of direct sunlight, plant a shade-tolerant grass seed in those areas.
2. Manage to take care of your lawn by routinely feeding it and mowing when your grass is at the highest recommended height for your grass type to encourage deep rooting.
3. Aerate compressed soils and mix soils rich in composted materials to help improve drainage. Only water the lawn when necessary; most lawns only need 1 inch of water per week.