Moss is often an unwelcome visitor to your lawn. While not harmful, moss can be unsightly and undesirable. It thrives in areas that are shady, damp and soils that are more acidic (a low pH).
To prevent, reduce or remove moss, several options are available.
Increase the Amount of Light
If you are able to reduce the shade, or increase the amount of sunlight that shines on the mossy area, your moss problem may begin to solve itself. Limb up or thin out trees to allow more sunlight.
Reduce Moisture
Moss thrives in damp, moist areas. Improve drainage in any way possible. Many expert gardeners add sand to their grass on a yearly basis to continually try and improve drainage. Moss will not survive in a dry area.
Reduce Acidity
Moss prefers soils that are acidic, that is, the soil has a pH of 7.0 or less. You can reduce acidity by adding lime. Limes biggest component is calcium which increases the pH. A high pH will make the area inhospitable to the moss and cause it to decline or die.
The Chemical Option
If none of the other suggestions have worked, their is always the chemical options. Many products are available that are either straigh moss removers or are combination fertilizer moss control. These types of products are often referred to as 'weed-feed' products. While effective, the chemical products can have adverse affects on our well being and the environment as a whole.
Feel free to contact our horticulturists for more information about moss control, improving your lawn or any other gardening related question. We're here to help!