How Did THAT Get On My Lawn: Moss

Moss is a type of small, spore-producing plant that takes hold in thin and bare areas when soil conditions are less than ideal. It’s common to see it grow in clumps or mats in shady areas under trees where grass has thinned out due to lack of sunlight. It can grow quickly and take over areas of your lawn if it gets the opportunity.  Contrary to popular belief, moss doesn’t kill grass though; it merely creeps in where grass is sparse. At that point, grass will not spread into those areas so the moss must be gone before grass can be grown in those areas again.

If you want to get rid of the moss on your lawn, the first step you need to take is to remedy any issues with your soil. Check the pH of the soil to make sure you’re in a range of around 6.5 – 7.0. This will make conditions more favorable.

So what’s the best way to get rid of lawn moss?

Lawn Moss

Green Lawn Fertilizing offers dedicated lime applications, responsible for raising the soil pH. Lime can help improve availability of nutrients and supply calcium and thus help the turf grow better. It will not kill moss directly however, with a full year of lime applications it will generally reduce and control existing moss and discourage it in the future.

To help combat your lawn’s moss problem, following the following steps:

1. Use a moss control product to kill existing moss in late winter or early spring.
2. Dethatch or rake out dead moss, or skip step (1) and dethatch or rake with more vigor.
3. Aerate and Overseed bare areas with a mixture ryegrasses or ryegrass/fescue blend.
4. Topdress seeds with about l/4 inch of loose weed-free soil, potting mix, or sand.
5. Keep moist until seedlings are established.

Moss can be overruled by following the steps in this lawn care moss blog. Contact Green Lawn Fertilizing today to hear more about our Lime program.