Organic Lawn Moss Control
Lawn Moss
Moss is a relatively weak plant, which is easily crowded out by grass, which is a stronger plant. However, when the circumstances favor moss and disfavor grass it can be almost impossible to get rid of moss in a lawn. Only changing the cultural circumstances will help.
- Moss prefers alkaline soil; grass prefers neutral or slightly acidic soil. I recommend applying lime to the mossy area. Treat until you have a pH of about 7.0. You can get soil test kits inexpensively at stores like Wal-Mart, Lowe’s, and Ace Hardware.
- Moss prefers shade; grass prefers direct sunlight. Trimming overhanging branches will hurt the moss and help the grass by allowing more sunlight.
- Moss prefers compacted soil; grass prefers aerated soil. Aerify your soil in the affected areas with mechanical aerators or an organic liquid aerator.
- Mow the grass with a mulching blade at a height of 2-1/2 to 3 inch height after mowing. Do not bag or remove the mulched grass. A grass cut at 2-1/2 inches has 2-1/2 inch roots that will provide more nutrients to the grass. The higher grass also has more surface area for sunlight collection.
- Water deeply no more than once a week. The surface will dry out harming the moss (moss requires constant moisture) but the lower soil areas retain water for the deeper grass roots. However, when establishing new seeds, you need to temporarily water frequently and shallowly (such as twice daily for 15 minutes each time). This is because grass seeds require consistent moisture to germinate (sprout). When the grass is 2 inches tall, transition back to the infrequent deep watering pattern. This is the only exception to the watering rule.
- Fertilize with and organic fertilizer. Chemical/synthetic fertilizers may green up the grass but they harm the roots and kill off the beneficial soil bacteria.
Steve
Organic Lawn Care Store 