If your patio, walkways, and lawn suddenly look extra green, you may have moss. Moss is a simple plant that anchors itself to solid surfaces and grows in dark, damp areas. It can also be unsightly and cause surfaces to become slippery. Read below to learn more about how to get rid of moss, both in your yard and on solid surfaces.
What Causes Moss to Grow?
Contrary to popular belief, moss is not a fungus but a simple plant. If your lawn meets the following conditions, moss could form.
- Excessive shade
- Poor drainage
- Low soil pH
- Lack of nutrients in soil
How to Get Rid of Moss in a Yard
Moss is shallow rooted, making it easy to remove from soil. Smaller patches can be raked out of lawns and disposed of with other yard waste.
For larger patches of moss, use a moss-killing herbicide, such as Moss Out! for Lawns. After application, the moss will blacken and die.
How to Prevent Moss from Growing in a Yard
The best way to prevent moss from forming in your lawn is to create healthy turf. Address the following to create a moss-free environment.
Add Proper Drainage
Does water pool in parts of your lawn after rain? Do you have puddles below a leaking roof? Are your sprinklers leaking? Add proper drainage to your lawn and repair leaks to allow the lawn time to dry after rain. By fixing these water issues, you will also help prevent fungi, disease, and weeds from forming in the lawn.
Reduce Shade
Too much shade prevents moisture in the lawn from drying, staying damp for long periods of time. Trim back branches or remove trees to allow more sun to shine on your lawn and dry the turf, preventing moss from growing.
Nourish Your Soil
The pH of your soil and a lack of nutrients can affect the ability of moss to grow. Test your lawn's soil using an at-home soil test kit or take a soil sample to your local extension office, then use a recommended fertilizer to add nutrients and lime to raise the soil's pH, according to the results of your test.
Products needed for Step 3
Dethatch Your Lawn
Thatch is a collection of organic debris that forms in-between grass and soil, preventing the roots of the grass from receiving the water and air they need to grow strong. Use a dethatching rake at least once per year to remove this layer of matter. You may also rake up any moss that begins to form. Remove the thatch by placing in a lawn disposal bag.
Aerate Your Soil
Like thatch in the lawn, the nutrients and roots of turf in compacted soil can be compromised. Aerating your lawn once or twice a year will break up compacted soil, allowing air to circulate. Aerating will improve the health of your lawn, which will prevent moss from growing.
How Do I Get Rid of Moss from My Pavers?
Moss can also grow on sidewalks, patios, steps, walkways, and other outdoor areas made of wood, stone, concrete, or brick. You can get rid of this moss by using a power washer or a cleaning product like 30 Second Cleaner.
To prevent moss from forming, address any leaks or standing water and keep the areas free from debris.
Explore DoMyOwn's Moss Killer products here . Have questions about how to get rid of moss on your property? Give our outdoor experts a call at 866-581-7378 or email [email protected].