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Moss on lawn


Question
My problem is i have moss in lawn.  My front does not get a lot of sun.  What do you recommend?

Answer
The development of lawn moss is typically the result of a combination of factors: low soil fertility, compaction (and resulting poor drainage), excessive shade and moisture, too acidic a soil and finally, unhealthy or sparse turf. To conquer lawn moss successfully, you need to correct any and all factors :-)

Get a soil test to determine the pH of the soil underlying the lawn and if below around 6.3, apply lime as directed.

In addition to the annual aeration - which should lessen compaction - dethatch as well. Dethatching will remove a lot of the moss. After aeration, apply a thin layer of screened compost. And don't rake up the plugs - allow them to breakdown naturally. Increasing the organic matter that gets down past the lawn roots will also reduce compaction. And increase fertility.

Address any drainage issues. Lawns that ooze when you walk over them after a hard rain have drainage problems.

There's not much you can do about shade. Overseed with a shade tolerant seed blend or if too severe, consider replacing the lawn with a shade tolerant groundcover.

Keep the lawn as healthy as possible. Addressing all of the above is a start, but you may need to fertilize to increase or maintain soil fertility. A mulching mower and practicing 'grasscycling' will reduce the need for supplemental fertilizing and thatch buildup. Mow often and high, keeping the grass at about 2.5-3 inches. And practice careful watering - not too much, not too little. Too little watering in summer can also encourage the development of lawn mosses.

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