Ground Moss Eradicator

Shady Areas

• Shade retards the growth of most grasses and opens the way for shade-tolerant moss to flourish. Eradicate moss by providing more sunlight to the affected area by pruning or even removing trees or shrubs that block sunlight from the grass. If the area receives at least four hours of sunlight daily, plant a shade-tolerant grass. Always mow grass in an affected area at the top of the height range to stimulate root and leaf growth. Healthy grass with larger leafs captures more sunlight.

Compacted Soil

• Compacted soil is too densely packed to allow water to flow into the ground and for grass roots to grow deeply enough. This creates excellent conditions for moss because the water that collects on top of the ground nourishes the moss and due to the shallow roots the grass growth is sparse. Test the soil by pushing a metal pipe ½- to ¾-inch in diameter into the soil to a depth of at least six inches. Push the soil out of the pipe by inserting a smaller rod into it. Grass roots should show as white filament at depths of 4 to 6 inches. If not, the soil is compacted and requires aerating by a hand operated or power aerator to foster grass growth and eradicate the moss.

Drainage & Watering

• Too much water in the soil is favorable to moss growth and detrimental to the growth of grass. Apply sand or soil to small areas of moss coverage to build it up from the surrounding ground so it drains. Another option is to dig a deep hole in low spots of the flooded area and fill it with sand. This works as a sump drain to transfer water away from the ground and into the hole. Larger areas require trenching or the installation of drains. Water the lawn infrequently and to a depth of 4 to 6 inches to encourage deeper roots.

Poor & Acidic Soil

• Test the soil for pH content by taking a sample to the county cooperative extension office. Determine if the pH factor is right for the grass and treat it as advised by the cooperative extension office. The objective is not to kill the moss by this treatment, but to make the grass healthier, which effectively eradicates the moss over time. Fertilize the affected areas according to the recommendations of the extension office as indicated by the soil sample results.