Time to Take Care of that Moss!

Do you know what Moss is?

Moss is a shallow-rooted plant that spreads by dispersing spores and growing root-like structures called rhizoids. The plant wet and cool places starting in spring growing through the warm months until fall.

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

 

Some Common Issues:

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

Once you have singled out the major problem, you can start the process of getting rid of the green fuzzy moss and reseeding the grass.

1. You can start by applying a ‘moss killer’ to the moss in your lawn, which is most effective during cool, wet days. Mowing your lawn low to the ground before applying it can help display hidden moss.
2. Once the moss is black and dead, rake the areas you want to remove it from and dispose of it in a lawn bag.
3. Seed missing grass areas with your desired grass seed.
4. Keep the ground moist until the grass has been established and is developing strong.

3 Ways to Have a Healthy Lawn

Knowing how to annihilate moss is not as important as having a fresh & strong yard. Fixing what was amiss with your yard in the first place is the most important step to take when stopping moss from coming back.

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