How do I get the moss out of my lawn?
Moss has many virtues and chief among them is its status as a groundcover that doesn’t need to be mowed or pampered and will happily grow in deep shade where grass is iffy at best.
If you really must get rid of it, the only viable way to do so is to correct the underlying conditions that contribute to its growth. We all know that moss is fond of damp, shady places. Well, it’s also partial to any soil that's compacted, acidic and/or lacking in nutrients.
The best way to keep moss at bay is to maintain a healthy lawn. You can do this by dethatching it every spring and overseeding any thin areas. If your soil is concrete-hard, aerating it isn’t a bad idea either. Small lawns can be aerated with a garden fork, but larger lawns need specialized equipment to do the job properly. You also need to apply nitrogen fertilizer and water your lawn well, once a week.
It’s a good practice to raise the blade on your mower and take it out for a spin at least twice a week. Long grass will ultimately lessen your workload as will leaving the clippings on the lawn after you mow. These clippings will provide an excellent natural source of nitrogen, raising soil fertility without the use of commercial fertilizers.
If you have any questions or comments, please send them to me at vanessa@gardenmuse.ca.
