lawn moss

[Smart Red]

I recently saw a garden show that planted moss in places grass wouldn't grow well in. They used different varieties for an interesting, easy to keep lawn area. Something I've been considering since that show.

 

[Nyboy]

Red I had a small patch I liked, keeping it weeded was a nightmare, real labor of love.

 

[thistlebloom]

I noticed that the Irish moss I had was getting weedier every year,
It IS a pain to weed. My weeds were the lawn dandelions, probably worse than some others to keep out.

 

[Smart Red]

Okay, no moss until I find an herbicide that won't harm the moss. Until then, I just keep trying to get the grass to stay and spread.

 

[thistlebloom]

Irish and Scotch moss are even more wonderful on bare feet than grass, so it's almost worth the hassle to weed.

 

[Lavender2]

Several years ago I bought some moss killer from Gardens Alive for my mom. I'm not sure what's in it, but it worked very well. They killed the moss, de-thatched, aerated, added a thin layer of compost and re-seeded the grass. Moss still comes back in small areas but the grass is doing better than I expected since the area is somewhat shaded.

Just killing off the moss probably won't fix the problem, unless you also improve the condition for the grass to grow... compacted soil/clay , you might try to work small areas and see what works best...? I agree with @PhilaGardener , select the best grass seed for your area... and fertilize with enough nitrogen until the grass is established.

My front yard is about half moss, it's shady, compacted soil, I have learned to like it.

There are varied reports on using dish soap, but I may try it on an area where moss is starting in the back, (I think because I trim the grass too low around the flower beds).
I found this... Ohio State U... although I would test it on established grass to be sure it does not kill your type of grass.

 

[bobm]

Here in the Pacific North West, MOSS grows everywhere ... roofs, on trees, lawns, on rocks, sidewalks in lawns ... everywhere. The main ingrecdient in moss killer is iron sulfate and costs mucho dinero, or $$$s by lawn care providers as well as all nurseries and big box stores. Roofers charge even more. Regular Iron sulfate fertilizer ( is quite cheap ) works great in killing the moss, however one must use it every year or sooner depending on your area as the moss spores are everywhere. If one wants a moss lawn ( I have solid moss areas instead of a lawn ) and want to control grasses and dandylions, etc. in it ... spraying the area with diluted roundup will kill the grasses/ weeds and leave the moss alone.

 

[Just-Moxie]

Lawns? We're supposed to have...lawns?? >>runs out to check that green stuff growing all over the 1 acre plot>>>

 

[Beekissed]

Hi Major! My bet is on acidic soil. Have the pH tested and lime as needed.

If reseeding, look into grass seed mixes that match well with your climate and sun/shade mix.

I agree! Pelleted lime...it's a nice, slow release and works better and longer than the crushed lime. I've eliminated several areas of moss at our place with applications of pelleted lime. We have heavy, clay, acidic soil here and we are surrounded by woods and a lot of pine in that, so moss is our milieu.

The areas of moss that have died and diminished I planted with white dutch clover instead and it's slowly taking hold. I'll continue to apply the pelleted lime every other year or so just to keep this going...it's cheap and easy to spread.

 

[Nyboy]

How do you grow moss? I have a few old planters and garden ornaments I would love to grow moss on. Tried painting with butter milk didn't work.