Yard moss - Ask Extension
I recently had a soil test from your lab which stated that my lawn had a good ph of 7.1 but needed nitrogen and potassium. I was wondering if you coul...
Knowledgebase
Yard moss #868424
Asked May 14, 2024, 3:09 PM EDT
I recently had a soil test from your lab which stated that my lawn had a good ph of 7.1 but needed nitrogen and potassium. I was wondering if you could help me with moss that’s starting to grow in small spots in my yard. I recently aerated and overseeded my lawn and applied a starter fertilizer. I have not yet applied a weed and feed fertilizer.
Thank you for any advice.
Mason County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
Moss in lawns is a common complaint, and there are reasons why moss builds up. Before determining your course of action, first consider why this occurs. Then, remember that you can take multiple courses of action when managing the mossy area.
Moss thrives in damp and shaded areas, which are not conducive to maintaining healthy turf. Consequently, the desired turf tends to thin and decline while moss growth flourishes. Lawns that stay wet after rainfall, experience drainage problems, or receive excessive irrigation provide an ideal moss environment. Temporary or seasonal weather patterns may also contribute to moss growth. Low nitrogen availability, limited air circulation, and low mowing height further promote moss growth over grass growth.
There are a range of management options to choose from. Below are some examples.
Adjust your expectations for the area and allow the moss to fill in. At least it is green!
Plant shade-loving plants in the area instead of turf. This Michigan State University Extension resource, “Shady Lawn Alternatives,” provides more information. At this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/shady_lawn_alternatives
To increase sunlight in the area, trim tree branches or remove entire trees. Adjust irrigation and improve drainage so that the soil is more suitable for turf. To reestablish the area, use a turf seed blend specifically for shade.
After improving the environmental conditions to make the site more favorable for turf and less so for moss, apply a pesticide that kills moss. These products are typically iron-based (such as Moss Out or MossEX) and aren’t likely to be a one-and-done application.
There are some great recommendations on cultural and chemical options from Clemson University at “Moss & Algae Control in Lawns.” Remember that we have cool season grasses here in Michigan, so double-check that any product you use or order is safe for our grasses. At this link:
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/moss-algae-control-in-lawns/
After you have achieved your desired level of moss control, the work isn’t over. You need to do two important things.
Continue to provide the necessary components to support a robust/vigorous stand of grass in your lawn to create a competitive environment for weeds. Practices could include fertilizing the lawn (early spring and/or early fall), watering when conditions are dry (but not overwatering) and increasing your mowing height (about 3.5 inches, this is healthier for the grass and makes it more competitive).
Keep an eye out for any new moss appearing and spot treat as necessary.
Visit MSU Extension’s Home Lawns website for more information on lawn care from the MSU turfgrass team. At this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/lawns/
From the MSU article: Tips to toss the moss from your lawn - Frustrated with moss in your lawn? Understand why and then consider a range of management options at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/tips-to-toss-the-moss-from-your-lawn
I hope this helps!
Moss in lawns is a common complaint, and there are reasons why moss builds up. Before determining your course of action, first consider why this occurs. Then, remember that you can take multiple courses of action when managing the mossy area.
Moss thrives in damp and shaded areas, which are not conducive to maintaining healthy turf. Consequently, the desired turf tends to thin and decline while moss growth flourishes. Lawns that stay wet after rainfall, experience drainage problems, or receive excessive irrigation provide an ideal moss environment. Temporary or seasonal weather patterns may also contribute to moss growth. Low nitrogen availability, limited air circulation, and low mowing height further promote moss growth over grass growth.
There are a range of management options to choose from. Below are some examples.
Adjust your expectations for the area and allow the moss to fill in. At least it is green!
Plant shade-loving plants in the area instead of turf. This Michigan State University Extension resource, “Shady Lawn Alternatives,” provides more information. At this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/shady_lawn_alternatives
To increase sunlight in the area, trim tree branches or remove entire trees. Adjust irrigation and improve drainage so that the soil is more suitable for turf. To reestablish the area, use a turf seed blend specifically for shade.
After improving the environmental conditions to make the site more favorable for turf and less so for moss, apply a pesticide that kills moss. These products are typically iron-based (such as Moss Out or MossEX) and aren’t likely to be a one-and-done application.
There are some great recommendations on cultural and chemical options from Clemson University at “Moss & Algae Control in Lawns.” Remember that we have cool season grasses here in Michigan, so double-check that any product you use or order is safe for our grasses. At this link:
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/moss-algae-control-in-lawns/
After you have achieved your desired level of moss control, the work isn’t over. You need to do two important things.
Continue to provide the necessary components to support a robust/vigorous stand of grass in your lawn to create a competitive environment for weeds. Practices could include fertilizing the lawn (early spring and/or early fall), watering when conditions are dry (but not overwatering) and increasing your mowing height (about 3.5 inches, this is healthier for the grass and makes it more competitive).
Keep an eye out for any new moss appearing and spot treat as necessary.
Visit MSU Extension’s Home Lawns website for more information on lawn care from the MSU turfgrass team. At this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/lawns/
From the MSU article: Tips to toss the moss from your lawn - Frustrated with moss in your lawn? Understand why and then consider a range of management options at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/tips-to-toss-the-moss-from-your-lawn
I hope this helps!
Thank you for your quick response and I will definitely take your advice.
You are welcome! Have a great day!
