What Is Ground Moss?

Characteristics of Mosses

• As with other Bryophytes, mosses are plants that have no vascular tissues. Mosses thrive in moist and shady areas, but they are also found in mountainous areas where there are freezing temperatures and even in deserts. They are also found in bogs throughout the world. Sphagnum, one of the most abundant types of moss, forms peat moss, and peat moss becomes fuel when compacted. Prior to total decomposition, peat moss functions as a soil texturizer. Mosses attach themselves to the ground with rhizoids rather than traditional roots, growing erectly or along the ground. Their leaves have a midrib, which is also called a costa.

Favorable Growing Conditions

• Mosses are best suited to growth in moist and shady areas. They thrive in overly acidic soil with poor fertility. They will also grow in places with inadequate drainage, in excessively irrigated places and in places where soil is compacted. Mosses adapt well to conditions where other things don't grow well, if at all. Any single factor, or a combination of them, will promote the growth of moss over that of grass or anything else.

Improving Soil Drainage

• Excessive irrigation is a common problem associated with automated sprinkler systems. Instead of using automation to ensure that grass or garden beds are watered frequently, manual control of the system will make it possible to water for a longer time, thereby penetrating more deeply into the soil. By watering in a way that allows for deeper penetration, the deeper grass roots can take in water as needed. Poor drainage problems are harder to alter. Effective solutions might include trenching, elevating the poorly draining area by adding sand, installing a sump in low-lying areas and backfilling the area with sand or installing French or tile drains.

Improving Soil Quality

• The most accurate way to determine the soil pH and the needed remedy is by taking a soil sample to the local county extension service. Acidic soil promotes moss growth, so raising the soil pH to a range of 5.8 to 6.5 will allow grass to grow. The use of dolomitic lime raises soil pH. The addition of organic matter such as compost and peat moss improves soil fertility without the addition of chemical fertilizers. These additives allow for better airflow and, in the process, improve drainage as well.