Moss Growing in the Lawn
Mosses, of which there are more than 12,000 species, belong to the Bryophyta family. Moss, generally yellow or green, is distinguished from other bryophytes in that it has roots that absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Moreover, mosses have symmetry, allowing you to cut down the center and end up with two similar sides. Does this Spark an idea?
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Growing Conditions
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A poorly maintained lawn is more likely to become invaded by moss. Conditions that promote moss growth include low soil fertility, acidic soil, dense shade, soil compaction, excessive irrigation, poor air circulation and inappropriate choice of turf species. Keep in mind also that lawns physically damaged by children, pets and vehicles are more prone to moss encroachment. Generally, homeowners experiencing moss problems will have more than one of these conditions present.
Moss Problems
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Moss does not actually kill grass. Moss simply grows in areas where grass has become weak and thin. Due to the rough texture and color of moss, moss growth can distract from the beauty of your lawn. Moreover, moss can be uncomfortable on bare feet and can harm pets who eat it.
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Control Existing Moss
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Existing moss can be controlled using a moss killing product in late winter or early spring. These products contain potassium salts of fatty acids or iron sulfate and are available at most lawn and garden stores. This should be followed up by raking out dead moss with a metal rake, overseeding any bare areas of grass and top dressing the seeds with 1/4 inch of loose weed-free soil. Note that some moss killing products can stain sidewalks and other concrete surfaces. Always read the labels before applying a moss killing product and keep runoff out of storm drains and other bodies of water.
Prevent Future Moss
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To prevent moss from growing in the future, you must engage in cultural practices that discourage moss growth. This includes applying fertilizer at appropriate times: late summer through early fall for cool-season grasses and mid-May through August for warm-season grasses. In addition, maintain a soil pH level between 6.0 and 6.8, prune trees and shrubs to avoid excessive shade, dethatch frequently, mow at the proper height and leave clippings on the lawn, aerate the lawn in the fall to reduce soil compaction and fix any areas with poor drainage.
Grass Alternatives
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Some people avoid moss by converting grasses to ornamental beds or ground cover. Once established, these alternatives may require less maintenance than grasses. Examples of ground cover include Allegheny spurge, Japanese spurge, sweet woodruff, Vancouver hexandra and dead nettle.
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References
- Photo Credit Sunlight image by Vilnis from Fotolia.com
