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Brown moss #927947

Asked April 09, 2026, 4:19 PM EDT

This spring part of my lawn is covered with a rust colored moss. What can be done to restore the lawn?

Wayne County Michigan

Expert Response

Thanks for reaching out. Would it be possible for you to attach a few photos of your lawn to this question? Photos really help our experts provide a more salad recommendation.
image0.jpegimage1.jpeg
Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 9, 2026, at 4:34 PM, Ask Extension wrote:


The Question Asker Replied April 09, 2026, 5:10 PM EDT

Hello Melissa,

Thank you for the photos, but the resolution is too low to zoom in and really see any detail.

Brown moss is either dormant or dying.  It could be dormant and has not greened up yet, or it could have been damaged by the cold conditions and snow cover this winter,  The question is why did you have moss growth in the first place?

Moss growth in lawns generally indicates that the turf grass is struggling due to poor growing conditions. Conditions are favorable for the moss and it out-competes the lawn grass. Moss can take over if there is too much shade, the soil is poorly drained and damp, there is low soil fertility, the soil pH is too high or too low, the soil is compacted, or there is poor air circulation.

The greatest improvement for turfgrass growing conditions is generally to open up the tree canopy to get some sun and air circulation into the area.  Here is a link that describes good care for lawns: https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/lawns/index

Here are some references on moss in turfgrass:

https://web.extension.illinois.edu/lawntalk/weeds/solving_moss_problems_in_lawns.cfm

https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/moss-algae-control-in-lawns/

http://ccenassau.org/resources/moss-and-algae-controlling-in-the-lawn

https://archive.lib.msu.edu/DMC/Ag.%20Ext.%202007-Chelsie/PDF/e1516-1986-print2.pdf

A very important step you may want to take is having a soil test performed. This will tell you what your soil pH is and what type of nutrients (fertilizer) are required to sustain a healthy lawn. Details on MSU soil testing can be found at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/soil-testing-returns-through-msu-extension 

If you get your soil tested, please feel free to write back with the results and we can address the remediation procedures for your moss condition.

Hope this helps.

Edward A. Replied April 09, 2026, 9:01 PM EDT

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