Simple Solutions To Get Rid Of Moss

While some enjoy moss so much that they create entire Japanese-style gardens with it, other homeowners simply want to get rid of the moss in their lawn permanently. If you fall into the second group, getting rid of the moss in your lawn may require some detective work to discover the root issues. There’s no point wasting time and energy on temporary solutions, because the moss will return and you’ll have to start all over. Frustrating!
Once the underlying cause, or condition that favours the moss, is discovered treatment options can be explored. Instead of concentrating on removing the moss, why not concentrate on creating conditions that will favour the grass. A healthy lawn will push out intruders in time. This benefit to taking the higher road with this is that you’ll not only get rid of the moss but you’ll also create a greener, maintenance free lawn you can enjoy for years to come. 

What Moss Loves

Lots of shade

Moss loves shade and grass loves sun. Sometimes this is easy to fix by trimming some bushes or a hedge to let in some sun. There are a few varieties of shade tolerant grasses available if more sunlight isn’t available through another means. Healthy grass will push out the moss, but even shade tolerant grass needs some sunlight though.

Lots of moisture

Poor drainage can be caused by a variety of factors including soil high in clay content, compacted soil, runoff from roofs or drains, or too much thatch. Aerating compacted soil will help. Amending the soil to improve drainage will help if there’s too much clay. Changing the length or direction of a downspout from the roof may help. Dethatching will fix the thatch problem. A more costly problem is lot grading and those types of drainage issues. If there is water pooling on top of the lawn when it rains, you have a drainage problem. There could be a very easy solution to the moisture problem so it’s worth the time to investigate the cause.

Acidic soil

Moss loves acidic soil and grass does not. Simple math there. You’ll need to tip the scales to favour the grass in this equation to find long-lasting success in getting rid of the moss. You can amend the PH level of your soil by adding lime or fertilizer (ask an expert for help). It’s safest to get your soil tested for PH level first to make sure that’s the problem. 

If these solutions won’t work…

Sometimes the conditions are what they are and there’s nothing you can do about it. If you have to make the best of it, why not plant shade and acidic soil loving hostas, ferns, bleeding hearts, azaleas, kalmia, rhododendrons or hydrangeas? There are over 200 varieties of moss, some flower and can be quite decorative.

The lawn care professionals at Nutri-Lawn Vancouver would be happy to help identify the root cause of your moss problem and get right to work on creating a long-term solution so you can enjoy that lush green healthy lawn you’ve always wanted. Contact the experts at Nutri-Lawn Vancouver today!