Moss on Lawns
Step One
Thicken up the turf. Thin grass allows moss to thrive. Apply two pounds of grass seed per thousand square feet of lawn every fall to thicken up the lawn and mow existing turf at the highest mower setting.
Step Two
Moss also tends to invade lawns with fertility problems so the second thing to do is feed your existing lawn.
Ensure it is getting a full two pounds of Nitrogen per thousand square feet and check how to do this on websites or at your favourite garden centre. Feeding lawns at rates higher than two pounds per square foot tends to produce lush grass that overgrows and is more attractive to insects.
Overfeeding is also a major cause of thatch (note that thatch is another symptom of poor lawn management).
Step Three
Moss is also created by excessive shade. If shade is the problem, either cut down the trees or substitute ground covers (like moss!) for the grass.Step Four
Poor soil drainage is another culprit and this excessive water creates conditions beloved of moss. The solution to this is fairly obvious – improve the drainage.
Step Five
Finally, poor compacted soils support moss rather than grass plants. Aeration with a coring machine will help solve this problem as will keeping the lawn roller off the turf.
Short Term Solution
The short term solution is to apply iron sulfate to the lawn at rates recommended on the labels. This will “burn” away the moss but the moss will return unless the underlying conditions are remedied. A healthy lawn will not support moss.
I note if you're trying to eliminate moss on driveways or other hard surfaces, the best solution for this is an organic soap spray such as Moss Aside TM Herbicidal Soap
And yes, this product works on lawns as well for a short term solution.:-)
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