Are There Different Kinds of Moss?
Green plants with tiny thread-like leaves that grow from wind-borne seeds are called moss. As they grow, they form a carpet-like spread on the surface to which they attach. Moss produces its own food and will not kill surrounding plants or grass but instead fill empty spaces. Moss grows well in excessively shady areas that have little drainage and acidic, compacted soil. There are thousands of different species of moss. Does this Spark an idea?
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Differences
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Most moss looks alike; its bright dark green cover is nearly indistinguishable between the species. According to Backyard Nature, you need a microscope to spot the differences in various moss species because the individualization resides in the capsules, leaves, stems and stalks of each tiny plant. The features are miniscule and present with a wide range of shapes, sizes and forms. You need a field guide to compare your findings and determine which kind of moss you are looking at.
Growth
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Some moss grows heartily in lawns and gardens that provide hard scrabble spots that won't produce any other living plants. Other moss relishes very moist, watery environments. There are moss species that grow only on granite, while other moss prefers to make its home in dead wood. The temperature, moisture, climate and surface must be ideal for moss to promulgate. Since moss spores are so abundant and carry with the wind, they can end up growing anywhere the conditions are ripe.
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Destruction
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The only way to get rid of moss permanently is to change the conditions under which they thrive. If you have a shaded area on which moss grows regularly for example, you should cover the ground with straw or mulch or remove surrounding bushes that create the shade. Alter the pattern that water flows over so that moss growing in wet places doesn't have the moisture it needs to thrive. Remove automatic watering systems so they don't supply the moisture the moss requires. Plug or till soil on which moss grows on compacted spots.
Natural Selection
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Instead of trying to change your landscape to rid your yard of unwanted moss, the Virginia Cooperative Extension suggests embracing the hearty plants and taking advantage of their benefits. Moss can serve as effective ground cover to prevent soil erosion and improve water retention in spots. Moss fills in barren areas of a landscape with aesthetically pleasing colors. Moss grows well year-round and requires little or no maintenance.
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References
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