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Moss is taking over

I've more moss in my yard then grass, it's growing like crazy on my aggregate patio, soon it will move in to the spare bedroom. Is there a good non-toxic moss killer for the patio? What about the lawn? Must I rent a thatching machine?

Barry asked in Pest Control/Weeds about 1 year ago | Report

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3 Answers

  • Dsc_0339_small
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    Master Gardener Andrea

    Dear Barry: Moss has indeed been one plant material that has been thriving this year! You have my sympathy.

    Here’s some information from WSU: In lawns, moss is a symptom of several underlying problems. Too much shade, high soil acidity, low fertility, compacted soil, and poor drainage are all contributing factors to moss growth. Rake to remove moss in garden areas, then add compost or other organic matter to reduce soil compaction and improve fertility. (Note: Ciscoe Morris recommends renting a power dethatcher to remove the moss.)
    In lawn areas, moss can be raked and removed, or an iron compound, ferrous sulfate, can be applied to kill the moss. Whenever you use chemicals be sure to read and follow all label directions. Don’t use on patios or sidewalks.

    Once the moss is removed, reseed the bare spots and put your lawn on a regular feeding schedule. WSU recommends 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn per year, divided into four applications: April, June, September and December. If you can increase the drainage and decrease the amount of shade your lawn gets, you'll have fewer problems with moss in the future.

    Check out Oregon State University’s moss information for home gardeners-- http://bryophytes.science.oregonstate.edu/page18.htm. This resource covers moss on roofs, patios, lawns, and everywhere in between. (I don’t think they have a section on how to deal with spare bedrooms. . . .)

    Good Luck! MG Andrea

    Master Gardener Andrea answered in Pest Control/Weeds about 1 year ago | Report
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  • Gold-head_small
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    In my experience, the moss in your lawn is trying to tell you something. That area just isn't ever going to grow grass that's strong enough to keep the moss out, otherwise it already would be doing so. It's on the shady side, right? We had that same problem, and no amount of soap or chemicals or thatching is going to make a bit of difference. We gave up and made it all patio and garden, with only a tiny strip of lawn in the front where the sun gets to it occasionally.

    Fnarf answered in Pest Control/Weeds about 1 year ago | Report
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  • Poppies_small
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    Dear Barry,

    Andrea has given you an accurate and complete answer to your question. Ciscoe Morris recommends using a moss-control soap available in a hose-end sprayer after dethaching. Unfortunately, here in the Pacific Northwest, it seems to be a never ending battle. As the weather warms and dries out, the moss will subside somewhat naturally.

    For the moss on your aggregate patio, pressure washing with a high powered pressure washer will do the trick--until next year.

    Nita-Jo

    Nita-Jo answered in Pest Control/Weeds about 1 year ago | Report
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