Moss is a silent invader in lawns as it with complete with grass for light, water and space so it cannot grow properly, but removing this nuisance plant can be incredibly easy. Many gardeners can find removing moss tricky as most chemical treatments can harm the grass and the moss will simply return in just a few weeks.
Ann Lovejoy, a gardener and founder of Loghouse Plants has explained that moss can only grow on unhealthy grass and will continue to thrive if the underlying issues are not addressed. She said: “I am also often asked if it’s possible to prevent moss from invading lawns and garden beds in the first place…most important are to improve the amount of light and air circulation in the garden, and to change soil from fungal to bacterial domination.”
How to stop moss growing back on a lawn
Moss only grows in damp shady and acidic environments, so you need to first make sure you are maintaining your lawn properly before you try removing this spongy menace.
The first thing you need to do is aerate the lawn, which is the simple gardening technique of poking holes in the ground with a pitchfork to move about the soil.
Grass will not grow in compacted soil so aerating it will improve water drainage and help the grass grow.
You will then likely need to water and fertilise the grass with compost as the healthier the lawn is, the more it will outcompete moss.
Next, make sure to tidy up the garden and prune any overgrown plants so sunlight is reaching every part of your lawn so moss as no chance to thrive.
Anne said: “Reorganize beds so pathways are spacious and hedges are divided from beds by service walkways (this really helps when pruning time rolls around).”
“Changing up soil domination is best accomplished by adding compost annually to beds and lawns. Over time, this will balance out soil Ph and help open up compacted or clay-based soils. Finally, don’t over-plant tall shrubs and trees again!”
How to get rid of moss
The best way to remove moss is to first make the lawn healthier so it will have difficulty growing back, and then treat it with a homemade baking soda solution.
You will need:
- Two tablespoons of baking soda
- One tablespoon of safflower oil
- A quarter teaspoon of castile liquid soap
- A gallon of water
Baking soda is alkaline, which helps to dissolve the acidic moss, while safflower oil blocks air, which helps to suffocate the moss.
Castile soap helps break down the protective layer on moss so the homemade solution can get deeply penetrate so not spores can regrow back.
The water dilutes the solution to so it does not damage the grass, but it will still be potent enough to kill the moss.
All you need to to is mix the ingredients together and then place it in a large garden sprayer or bucket.
Spray directly onto the mossy areas of a lawn and leave it to sit for 48 hours. After the time is up the moss will begin to wilt and turn brown. Be sure to remove any dead moss to help your grass thrive so you can enjoy a healthier, more beautiful lawn.