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    Question ID:   4369         Current Version: 3
Question: What does it mean when I have moss in my lawn?
Category: Home & Garden > Lawn & Garden
Keywords: cause, treatment, weed, lawn maintenance, moss
Type: what
Rating:(0 ratings)    Views: 475    Discussions: 0   In Watch Lists: 1  

 
    Answer:
Moss is one of the most persistent and annoying weeds in home lawns. They are small and soft plants and do not have flowers or seeds. They often grow close together in shady or damp locations where turfgrasses are thin and weak. Moss does not persist in stands of dense, vigorously-growing turf. Once moss is established, grass plants will not spread into those areas.

The Cause of Moss

Following factors contribute to the presence of moss:

  • heavy shade
  • excessive moisture
  • compacted soils
  • improper drainage
  • low soil fertility
  • low soil pH (acid soils)
  • poor air circulation
  • poor turf growth
  • poor lawn care practice

Treatment

The first step to control moss is to find out the reasons why it began to grow in the lawn. It is important to understand that until the cause is eliminated, moss will continue to grow in the affected area. It is rarely effective to eradicate moss from a lawn unless provisions are made for a dense, actively-growing turf to take its place.

  • soil condition and fertility: take soil test to determine the pH and fertility level of the soil to apply necessary lime and fertilizer. The improved soil conditions resulting from fertilizer and lime applications will help the turfgrasses compete with the moss.
  • compaction: loosen the soils manually or mechanically to allow better air circulation and permit nutrients and water to penetrate down into the soil
  • drainage: localized areas of poor drainage may sometimes be improved by minor regrading. More expensive and laborious steps may need to be taken if the affected areas are extensive.
  • shade and moisture: correct the site conditions such as pruning tree branches and shrubs to allow more light penetration and improve air circulation. An alternative is to plan grasses that are adapted to shady or moist area. For example, rough bluegrass is better adapted to shady and moist soils while fine fescues are better adapted to shady but well-drained areas.


Kill the Moss

Commercially prepared chemical moss killers are available. Those products often contain ferrous ammonium sulfate which will turn moss black in a short period of time. Rake moss out of the grass after it has turned black. Prepare the soil and reseed the affected bare spots. Elimination of moss is not a quick or easy task. Unless the underlying problems are corrected moss will continue to come back and invade the site.

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