It's not the moss's Fault....
Moss infiltrates lawns because the growing conditions are more suitable for the moss than the grass. That is the cold, hard truth. It is not the moss's fault, nor the lawn's. Read more....
To get rid of the moss, the conditions need to change to benefit the turfgrass, not the moss. Applying moss killer is just a temporary fix. Sure, the moss will die after it is applied, but it will come back again if everything stays the same. So what makes moss happy? It thrives in acidic (5.0 to 5.5 pH), compacted, moist soil in the shade. What does grass like? Generally, turf grasses prefer a slightly acidic soil, 6.0 to 6.9 pH, 6 hours of direct sun per day and good drainage with a nice balanced diet. Moss likes to live lean, grass doesn’t; it needs to be fed.
Here’s a few tips to make the lawn strong and healthy so it outcompetes moss:
To get rid of the moss, the conditions need to change to benefit the turfgrass, not the moss. Applying moss killer is just a temporary fix. Sure, the moss will die after it is applied, but it will come back again if everything stays the same. So what makes moss happy? It thrives in acidic (5.0 to 5.5 pH), compacted, moist soil in the shade. What does grass like? Generally, turf grasses prefer a slightly acidic soil, 6.0 to 6.9 pH, 6 hours of direct sun per day and good drainage with a nice balanced diet. Moss likes to live lean, grass doesn’t; it needs to be fed.
Here’s a few tips to make the lawn strong and healthy so it outcompetes moss:
- Apply moss killer according to their instructions. Once the moss goes black, remove it but do it gently to prevent the spores from resettling on the area.
- Improve drainage by aerating with a core aerator either in March or April or in fall in September or October.
- After aerating, apply ¼ to ½ inch layer of compost or lawn conditioner (topdress), and then apply dolomite lime.
- Use a drop spreader to apply dolopril lime, a coated lime product. It is easier to apply and gentler than the cheaper hydrated lime.
- Increase light if possible by pruning away offending overhead tree branches and large shrubs that block the light.
- Improve air circulation if possible by removing shrubs, structures or objects that are blocking airflow such as 6 foot privacy fences.
- Keep the grass healthy, vigorous and strong by providing the correct growing conditions and maintenance.
- Forgo the lawn and plant Japanese spurge (Pachysandra terminalis) or another shade loving ground cover as a living mulch.
- Give up and enjoy the moss as moss gardens are quite lovely. If that doesn't thrill you, install a shade garden or patio.