Killing moss - Ask Extension
I know that moss can be killed with baking soda as I have done this on the sidewalk in front of my home. My question is can I do this for moss in my y...
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Killing moss #859209
Asked February 15, 2024, 2:48 PM EST
I know that moss can be killed with baking soda as I have done this on the sidewalk in front of my home. My question is can I do this for moss in my yard and if so, what would be a good mix and method to apply to keep from killing grass also?
Linn County Oregon
Expert Response
Dear Kenneth,
Many people use baking soda and water to treat moss in their grass. Baking soda will increase the pH of the soil and that may inhibit the growth of the grass if it gets too high. However, most comments that I read have had success with it. See the last link at the bottom of this answer. It does require several applications when it is not raining.
The moss killers that are sold for lawns (not the ones for the roof) would be the another choice, if you wish to apply a mossicide. We cannot recommend brand name products.
However, the ones that kill moss with soap and citrus oil are biodegradable and non-corrosive. Do not spray the plants you want or, rinse them off immediately. Please make sure it does not go into the drains or any water areas, e.g. ponds.
Iron based mossicides are corrosive and toxic to humans, pets, landscapes and aquatic animals. It will also stain concrete. Please follow all directions on whatever product you purchase if you decide to apply a mossicide.
I am attaching a link on re-establishing your lawn for your review: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/ec-1550-practical-lawn-establishment-renovation
If you decide to re-establish your lawn, fertilizers with iron in them for the lawn will also kill or inhibit the growth of moss. Moss does not like iron.
From Iowa State comments on baking soda 6 ozs per gallon of water: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/turfgrass/blog/control-moss-bentgrass-baking-soda
If you have any further questions, please contact us again.
Many people use baking soda and water to treat moss in their grass. Baking soda will increase the pH of the soil and that may inhibit the growth of the grass if it gets too high. However, most comments that I read have had success with it. See the last link at the bottom of this answer. It does require several applications when it is not raining.
The moss killers that are sold for lawns (not the ones for the roof) would be the another choice, if you wish to apply a mossicide. We cannot recommend brand name products.
However, the ones that kill moss with soap and citrus oil are biodegradable and non-corrosive. Do not spray the plants you want or, rinse them off immediately. Please make sure it does not go into the drains or any water areas, e.g. ponds.
Iron based mossicides are corrosive and toxic to humans, pets, landscapes and aquatic animals. It will also stain concrete. Please follow all directions on whatever product you purchase if you decide to apply a mossicide.
I am attaching a link on re-establishing your lawn for your review: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/ec-1550-practical-lawn-establishment-renovation
If you decide to re-establish your lawn, fertilizers with iron in them for the lawn will also kill or inhibit the growth of moss. Moss does not like iron.
From Iowa State comments on baking soda 6 ozs per gallon of water: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/turfgrass/blog/control-moss-bentgrass-baking-soda
If you have any further questions, please contact us again.
