Rid Your Lawn of Invasive Moss

Moss loves to creep into your lawn and take root among the thin stalks. You could ignore it, or you could take steps to find out what is causing the problem and how to get rid of it. Like your grass, moss is a living plant that requires specific conditions to flourish.

The best way to get rid of the moss is to make the growing conditions favour the grass instead. However, your irrigation system might be part of the problem! Once the cause of the problem is identified and dealt with, the moss can be removed permanently.

What Makes Moss Grow?

Moss loves shade and grass loves sun. If possible, trim or remove whatever is blocking the sun from the shaded part of the lawn. Grass doesn't need full sun all day long, but even shade tolerant varieties need some sun. If there's no way to let some sun in, the moss may be very difficult to remove if you can't get the grass healthy and growing.

Moss requires three things to get a good hold in your lawn: acidic, damp, shaded soil. If your lawn provides even one of these factors, moss can creep in. Unless you remove the conditions that allow it to flourish, removing the moss can be an exercise in futility.

Let The Sun In!

Moss loves shade and grass loves sun. If possible, trim or remove whatever is blocking the sun from the shaded part of the lawn. Grass doesn't need full sun all day long, but even shade tolerant varieties need some sun. If there's no way to let some sun in, the moss may be very difficult to remove if you can't get the grass healthy and growing.

How's The PH?

Moss loves acidic soil and grass does not. Call the experts at Burlington Lawn Care to get your soil's PH level tested. If the soil is too acidic, the grass won't grow as well and the moss will thrive. One solution is to add lime or ask our experts about a well-timed fertilizer strategy. For the grass to have a shot at taking over that portion of your lawn, you'll have to amend the soil.

How much do you water?

Make sure your inground sprinkler system is well maintained and that you don't over water. Ideally, you want your irrigation system set to a smart watering schedule. Program your system to irrigate two or three times a week in the early morning. When you water first thing in the morning, there is less risk of overwatering because the water has all day to evaporate.

Soil compaction, runoff from roofs, or at thatch problem may all contribute to a moisture problem that favours moss growth. There could be a very easy solution to the moisture problem so it's worth the time to investigate the cause.

The Alternative?

If you aren't able to correct any of these problems, you will have a difficult time removing the moss on a permanent basis. You could choose to make the best of it and create a moss garden, or allow the moss to grow around a flowering plant that also loves those soil conditions such as: hostas, ferns, bleeding hearts, azaleas, kalmia, rhododendrons and hydrangeas.

The experts in lawn care at Nutri-Lawn Ottawa Irrigation can help you determine the best irrigation system for your property. We specialize in irrigation systems that focus on water conservation. Contact us today for your complimentary quote.