In 2008, “The New York Times” suggested that “moss produces a verdant, no-care lawn,” offering the perfect solution to people who would rather quit than struggle. But if you take pride in your lush lawn, then you probably choose to fight moss growth to the end. Moss is a difficult adversary, having survived on the planet for at least 450 million decades. De-thatching the lawn will help get rid of the moss, but there is still work to do then.
The Moss Problem
Moss carries a root system and, like a few orchids, takes it nutrients in the air and rain. It thrives in shady, wet regions with poor soil or soil which has a low pH. Moss takes edge of bare spots in the yard, especially lawns with bad drainage, in which the soil is compacted or in which thatch has constructed. Because moss growth is a symptom of the underlying problem, simply killing it isn’t enough. It is important to reach the root of the problem and find out which conditions are causing moss growth.
Solutions
You’ll find products at gardening centres which claim to kill moss and, generally, they do a decent job. The issue is that they may discolor the moss to dreadful pink or orange blobs in your yard. In the very least, there will be dead spots you will want to rake loose and discard, doubling your moss-killing labor. De-thatching the lawn will kill approximately 75 percent of this moss and leave a nice patch of soil on which to reseed with your favorite turf variety. You may rent machines to aid with this from rental centres or garden centres.
Timing
The opportunity to take care of the moss is while the grass is actively growing. This lets you plant grass seed instantly from the bare patches, which will prevent future moss issues. If you are developing a cool-season grass, then plan to destroy the moss and overseed in early autumn. De-thatch the yard in spring if your yard is populated with warm-season grass.
Prevention
The best way to avoid moss in the future is by not allowing it to get a toe hold in the yard. A healthy, vigorously growing lawn prevents moss growth. An annual program of dolomitic lime will raise the soil’s pH, making nutrients available to turf grass roots. Aerating the lawn consistently will aid with compacted soil. If the problem is shade, cut back overhanging tree branches to allow more sun to reach the region.