Moss
Moss can be a problem in heavily shaded areas of the lawn. However,
it is sometimes found in sunnier areas, as well. Moss is often a sign of
compacted soil, over-watering, low soil fertility, or a soil pH too acid
to grow grass. If these conditions are corrected, moss will not grow.
Remove moss with a heavy garden rake. In large areas, where hand removal is not practical, try a chemical control such as Safer-brand Moss Attack. Be sure to read and follow all label directions.
After the moss has been taken care of, take a soil test to determine the soil pH and fertility. Test kits are available at Bachman's Garden Centers by taking a sample to the University of Minnesota soil testing laboratory. The soil test will tell you if lime is needed to reduce the acidity of the soil and what soil nutrients are in short supply. Grass grows best at a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Take care of soil compaction by loosening the soil by hand or using a lawn aerator. This improves water drainage, eliminating the excess moisture that allows moss to thrive.
If tree shade is the major cause of the moss problem, raising or thinning the tree canopy will help. This is a temporary solution, however, and will have to be repeated as the tree grows.
Use shade-tolerant grass seed mixtures, usually a combination of shade-tolerant Kentucky Blue Grasses and red fescues. No grass will grow well in very heavy shade, so a change to a shade-loving ground cover like pachysandra, vinca minor, or ajuga may be the solution of your moss problem. Stop at any Bachman's Garden Center and ask our lawn experts for help with all your lawn problems.
Revised: 03/10/98
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