Pay BillPest of the Season
If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you know that controlling moss in your yard can be maddening.
What are mosses? Mosses are non-parasitic, primitive green plants that consist of fine branched, threadlike stems with tiny leaves and reproduce by means of wind-blown spores. Once established, mosses form a thick green mat on the soil surface and produce their own food. They generally do not kill grass plants but rather fill in the spaces in the lawn where grass is not growing.
There are several conditions that favor moss development over grass or turf. These conditions include excessive shade, acidic soil, poor drainage, compacted soil, excessive irrigation, and low fertility. A combination of these conditions can cause moss growth.
The following cultural tips can help to reduce or eliminate moss:
- Reduce shade. Grasses will not grow well if they have less than 4 hours of sunlight. Prune limbs of trees and shrubs to allow more sunlight into lawn areas.
- If you mow your lawn too short, you will encourage moss development. Cut ¼ to ½ inch of grass when mowing. Keep grasses no shorter than 1.5 inches.
- Moss prefers acidic soil, so keep pH at optimum levels of 6.0 to 7.0 to favor grass development.
- Poor drainage and compacted soils are favorable conditions for moss growth. Aeration and amending soil with sand will help increase drainage and compaction.
- Maintain proper fertility levels and do not over irrigate. Regular fertilizer applications will help keep your grass healthy and moss under control.
- Do not over irrigate. Over irrigation can lead to moss development. When irrigating, use ¾ to 1 inch of water per irrigation to water the soil to a depth 3-4 inches.
Keeping a healthy lawn in the Pacific Northwest is challenging. Call your lawn care experts at NViro, and we can help you achieve a fantastic lawn that is moss free. Our bio-rational fertilizer applications can feed your lawn while controlling your moss and weeds. Call NViro, we would love to help protect your landscape investment.
Jim Halvorson
N-Viro Division Manager
Degreed Horticulturist
N-Viro Lawn Care
- N-Viro Smart Liquid Lawn Care
- Economy Liquid Lawn Care Program
- Bio-Rational Broadleaf Weed Control
- Turf Insect and Disease Control
- Moss Control
- Soil pH Adjustment
- Weed Free Parking, Walkways and Flower Beds
- Tree & Shrub Insect and Disease Control
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