How to Get Rid of Moss in Lawn

If you’ve ever wondered how to get rid of moss in the lawn that has accumulated in your yard, there are many methods, using either chemical or natural methods. Fortunately, mosses have shallow roots, meaning their removal isn’t too difficult. However, for long-lasting removal, it’s crucial to address the source of the growth to prevent it from spreading.

Although moss isn’t harmful to your lawn, you may want to remove it for aesthetic reasons. As spring and summer approach, this is the ideal time to eliminate any moss growing in your yard, as this is when it is actively growing. 

This is the ultimate guide to eliminating moss in your lawn.

What is Moss?

Moss is a primitive plant with tiny leaves and branch-like structures commonly found on logs, soil, and rocks. It spreads quickly through spores, and its lack of stems and roots distinguishes it from vascular plants. Instead of absorbing nutrients through roots, moss uses osmosis to take in water and nutrients directly.

There are over 15,000 species of moss, ranging in colors from green to grey, blue, yellow, orange, and black. Common types of moss that you may find in your backyard or lawn include:

• Sheet moss: Flat and can be peeled into sheets, often found on soil or rocks and sometimes used in floral arrangements.
• Cushion moss: Forms clumps that resemble pin cushions and are common across Europe and Eastern North America.
• Rock cap moss: A dark, shade-loving moss that grows in clumps on rocks and boulders.
• Hair cap moss: Prefers humid conditions and frequent rainfall, typically found in moist heathlands and forests.
• Sphagnum moss: The largest moss species, commonly found in wetland areas like heathlands, marshlands, and moorlands.

What Causes Moss in Lawns?

Although moss is easy to remove and doesn’t harm grass, its presence usually indicates underlying issues in your yard. Moss often thrives when the conditions of your lawn are not conducive to healthy grass growth. The most common causes of moss growth are:

• Acidic soil pH
• Compacted soil
• Poor drainage
• Low light levels
• Pet or pest activity
• Mowing grass too short

These factors create an environment where moss can thrive while grass struggles.

How to Get Rid of Moss in Lawn

If you have moss growing among your grass, the ground may feel spongy, and you might notice green moss intertwined with the grass blades. This suggests that the following issues might be at play:

• Compacted soil
• Acidic soil
• Nutrient-deficient soil
• Poor drainage
• Insufficient sunlight

Here are four effective methods to remove moss and restore the health of your lawn:

Manual Approach

If the moss is confined to a small area, manually removing it is a straightforward option. Follow these steps:

• Wear heavy-duty gloves to protect your hands.
• Pull the moss out by hand and dispose of it in a compost bin or trash.

The Scarification Method

Because moss bonds to the ground through thread-like structures known as rhizoids, simply brushing away moss from your lawn could be an effective solution. One method is to use a standard rake, such as a leaf rake or an axe rake. 

Another option is to upgrade to a scarifying rake. Scarifying rakes are more effective than conventional rakes because they can dig deeper, helping to remove moss, thatch, and dead grass while creating space in the soil for oxygen and nutrients.

Methods for Removing Moss Using a Scarifying Rake

Wait for rain to fall, then begin raking your lawn the next day, as long as the soil remains damp. Use a back-and-forth motion to dislodge any clumps of moss. Afterward, collect the moss and place it in the trash or a compost bin. Regular lawn aeration or scarification can help keep fungal issues such as slime mold and red thread at bay.

If raking with a scarifying rake does not effectively clear the moss from your lawn, you might want to consider using a specially formulated herbicide designed to kill moss.

Chemical Herbicides as a Strategy

Herbicides designed to kill moss (often called “moss killers”) are typically iron-based and formulated to add nutrients to your lawn while eliminating the conditions that moss needs to thrive. To apply a successful herbicide:

• Purchase a ferrous ammonium or iron sulfate moss killer and mix it according to the instructions on the packaging. Pour the mixture into a garden sprayer.
• Apply it to the targeted area during the peak of moss growth, which typically occurs in the fall or spring. Because the product contains iron, avoid spraying it onto any hardscaping to prevent damage and avoid leaving a rusty “vintage” appearance on your lawn.

Pro Tip #1: Moss is not a vascular plant, and regular weed killers will not effectively kill it. To avoid wasted efforts, make sure you purchase a product specifically designed for moss removal.

Pro Tip #2: Herbicide treatments usually offer only temporary relief. The permanent solution is to eliminate the conditions that allow moss to grow and thrive.

Organic Herbicides for DIY

You can create your organic solution if you’d prefer to avoid introducing chemical herbicides to your garden. Here’s how:

• Mix 4-5 ounces of dish soap or a small container of baking soda with 2 gallons of water in a sprayer. This should be enough for approximately 1,000 square feet of moss-infested grass.
• Pour the mixture into the sprayer, or mix one tablespoon of vinegar with one gallon of water.
• Spray the affected area until it is saturated, avoiding other plants nearby. After a few days, scrape the dead moss out. Be sure to dispose it off carefully, such as by placing it in sealed garbage bags, to prevent the spores from spreading and creating new patches of moss.

Remove Thatch and Aerate the Lawn

Examine the role that the buildup of thatch could be playing in your garden. Thatch can block water drainage into the soil, and addressing this issue can help prevent future moss growth. Removal of thatch, referred to as dethatching, is a process that can be done manually using a sharp-toothed bow rake or a specialized dethatching rake. 

However, many people prefer to hire a professional service or rent a power dethatcher to handle the labor-intensive task.

After dethatching, annual aeration is important. This process helps reduce soil compaction and improves air circulation and drainage, making the soil more suitable for grass and less inviting for moss. The ideal time to aerate depends on the type of grass you have. Aerate cool-season grasses in early fall and warm-season grasses in mid-spring to early summer.

Evaluate Sun/Shade

Address the problem of excessive shade to help eliminate moss. You can increase sunlight exposure by removing trees or trimming larger, lower branches. 

Most grasses thrive with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, but some shade-tolerant grasses can do well with three or four hours. When pruning trees, aim to allow as much sunlight as possible to reach your lawn.

Check Your Soil

Check your soil, as many moss infestations are linked to poor soil conditions, particularly issues with pH and nutrients. You can send a soil sample to a local service to have it tested. Be sure to mention that you want to remove moss from your lawn. They will need information about your soil’s pH and nutrient levels.

Lawns infested with moss often have acidic soil. Moss doesn’t necessarily prefer acidic soil, but grasses tend to struggle in these conditions. If a soil test shows the need for pH adjustment, add agricultural lime (an alkaline powder) to lower acidity.

The soil test may offer additional suggestions on improving the pH, such as topdressing with wood ash. It will also provide valuable information on nutrient levels and recommend fertilizers and other amendments to make the soil more conducive to turfgrass growth.

Consider Drainage

Fix any drainage issues caused by a high clay content (your soil tests will reveal whether this is the case). The slow percolation rate of water through clay soils can cause problems, such as visible puddling. This drainage issue can be addressed by periodically amending the soil with organic material like humus to increase friability.

Drainage problems can also stem from factors other than clay content. For example, if the lawn experiences heavy foot traffic (such as from children playing), the issue may be compaction, which can be resolved with regular lawn aeration.

Drainage issues become more serious if the soil beneath is dense and impenetrable. In this case, you may need to alter the contours of your lawn to direct excess water away, construct a drainage system, or even dig up your entire lawn to improve the subsoil’s structure.

How to Prevent Moss from Growing Again

Hand-pulling, raking, or using natural sprays are quick fixes for moss problems. However, if you don’t address the underlying issues affecting your lawn, moss will return year after year.

To understand what’s wrong with your lawn, consider factors like the amount of sunlight your lawn receives, the soil’s structure, drainage, and the results of a soil test. Once you identify the conditions that promote moss growth, you can implement a tailored plan to prevent its return.

✅ Improve Inadequate Light for Healthier Grass

Most grass species require 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Grass becomes weak and patchy without sufficient light, allowing moss to take over. Pruning back shrubs and trees can increase sunlight and support healthier grass growth. 

Alternatively, if you have a lawn that thrives in the shade, consider switching to shade-tolerant ground covers or clover, which will thrive in lower light conditions.

✅  Aerate and Amend Compacted Soil

Excessive foot traffic can cause soil to compact, inhibiting grass root growth and leading to sparse grass. Aerating your lawn each year helps loosen compacted soil, but clay-rich soils may also require amendment with compost or other organic matter. You can also build garden paths or install stepping stones to reduce foot traffic and prevent further compaction.

✅  Improve Drainage to Favor Grass Over Moss

Like grass, moss thrives in moist conditions and can easily overtake lawns that remain too wet. To improve drainage, fill low areas with soil, install a drainage system, or grade the lawn to redirect water. While addressing drainage, consider dethatching your lawn to improve air circulation around the grassroots. 

Also, use a rain gauge to monitor your watering and prevent overwatering, which can encourage moss growth.

✅  Address pH Issues

Turf grass thrives in soil with pH levels between 6.5 and 7.0, while moss prefers acidic conditions. Testing your soil is the most effective way to determine if the pH is too acidic for healthy grass growth. If the soil is too acidic, applying garden lime in the fall may be necessary.

Once you’ve addressed lawn issues, the grass will bounce back quickly. However, moss (and other weeds) can take advantage of bare soil if left unchecked. 

To prevent this, sow new grass seed or plant ground cover in bare spots. Your lawn will look as good as new in just a few days.

How to Prevent Moss in Your Lawn

If you’ve noticed moss growing in your lawn, it’s a sign that your soil may need some attention. Take time to evaluate your yard and make the necessary adjustments.

The conditions that support moss growth prevent grass from growing strong and healthy. The key to eliminating moss for good is to improve your soil. By strengthening your soil, not only will you prevent moss from growing, but you’ll also enjoy a lush, healthy lawn for years to come.

Here’s how to achieve this:

👍 Test and Modify Your Soil

Moss thrives in acidic soils with a low pH. To determine if your soil is the cause of the moss problem, test your soil as soon as possible. You can do this or use a local service to help with the testing. A soil test will tell you the pH level of your soil and whether any nutrients (such as nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium) are lacking, which can contribute to moss growth.

Apply lime to reduce the soil’s acidity. In the spring and again in the fall, use 25 pounds of lime per 1,000 square feet.

It may take a few months for the pH of your soil to change, so don’t expect immediate results. For faster results, you can use a fast-acting lime product.

👍 Remove Thatch

Thatch is a layer of dead grass, roots, leaves, and other organic material that accumulates between the living grass and the soil. Too much thatch can cause soil compaction, retain excess moisture, and create ideal moss conditions. It can also make your grass look shabby and dull.

Dethatching removes this excess layer, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the soil. This encourages healthy grass growth, which will help prevent moss from taking hold.

To determine if thatch contributes to your moss problem, check the thickness of the thatch. Use a shovel to dig up a 3-inch-deep section of your lawn. The thatch will appear as a brown, soft layer between the grass and soil.

A thorough dethatching is required if the thatch is thicker than half an inch. You can do this in one of two ways:

1. Use a power dethatcher or a dethatcher rake to collect the organic matter.
2. Hire a professional team to handle the labour-intensive task.

👍 Aerate Your Lawn

Moss thrives in humid environments, which may indicate a drainage problem in your lawn. Poor drainage not only allows moss to spread but also hampers healthy grass growth.

Poor drainage can result from:

• Dense, clay soil
• Compacted soil due to heavy foot traffic
• Soil prone to depressions that cause flooding

Drainage issues can be addressed with lawn aeration (or core aeration). This process creates small holes in the soil, easing pressure, loosening the soil, and providing space for water, air, and nutrients to reach the ground.

To determine if your soil is compacted, dig into it with a shovel. The shovel should be able to penetrate at least 6 inches down. If it doesn’t, your lawn isn’t receiving enough air. Professionals should do aeration, as they’ll know exactly what to do and when is the best time to do it.

Tip to Consider: If you notice deep depressions in parts of your yard that cause flooding, fill them with soil or install a drainage system.

👍 Fertilize Your Lawn

Fertilizing your lawn is an excellent way to keep it healthy and strong. It helps it grow in the right places while preventing moss. Fertilizers improve the nutrition in your soil, ensuring that your lawn receives the nutrients it needs. A healthier lawn can help keep away insects, diseases, fungi, and moss.

Plan your lawn fertilization based on the type of grass you have. Below is a recommended fertilization schedule for cold-season and warm-season grasses:

Grass Category	Grass Types	Recommended Fertilization Schedule
Cool-season	Tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, Perennial ryegrass	1st round: April 1, 2nd round: Early September, 3rd round: Late October
Warm-season	Zoysiagrass, Centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, Bermudagrass, Carpetgrass, Bahiagrass	1st round: Early April, 2nd round: June, 3rd round: September

 

Fertilizer should be applied to moist soil from rain or after watering. Allow the grass blades to dry before applying the fertilizer. Make sure to fertilize when no rain is expected right after, as it could wash away the fertilizer before it has a chance to settle into the soil.

👍 Reduce the Shade

Moss thrives in shaded areas, while most grasses need sunlight to grow. Grass requires about six hours of direct sun and 12 hours of indirect sun daily. If moss is thriving in a shaded part of your lawn, consider increasing the sunlight in that area. Some ways to do this include:

• Pruning trees and bushes
• Removing trees or bushes entirely
• Reducing the canopy cover

FAQ

Does moss harm your lawn?

Moss isn’t harmful to your garden or lawn. However, it can indicate a drainage issue or soil compaction. If these conditions do not affect the development of your garden, you might be lucky. One current gardening trend is moss gardening.

Why does so much moss surround me on my lawn?

Poor, weak, or patchy grass is a common cause of excessive moss on your lawn. Excessive shade, drought stress, or short mowing may also contribute. Infested, untreated turf areas, such as areas where children play or where there is heavy foot traffic, can also contribute. Additionally, compacted or poorly prepared soil before planting can promote moss growth.

When is the ideal time to apply an aerator to the lawn?

The ideal time to address moss is when it’s actively growing, which typically happens during autumn rains, warm winter rains, and early spring.

Do I need to use moss killer before or after a rain?

If you plan to apply a moss killer to your lawn, it’s best to wait for light rain or after it has stopped. Once the rain has passed, apply the product to damp plants. Be sure to allow at least two days for the area to dry after the application. Lawn products should contain iron as the active ingredient.