Controlling Moss in Lawns: Shade Management and Fungicide Options

Controlling Moss in Lawns: Shade Management and Fungicide Options

Moss indicates excessive shade and/or poor drainage. It is a fungus, so fungicides can help.

Primary Solution: Increase Light

• Prune tree/shrub branches to allow more sun.
• Even dappled light reduces moss significantly.

Fungicide Treatments

• Chemical: Funginex (Fertilome) – best results in my experience. Follow label for timing restrictions.
• Organic: Baking soda dissolved in water – saturate mossy area and top 1″ of soil. Apply anytime; damp weather encourages moss.

Cultural Practices

• Improve drainage if soil stays wet.
• Mow high, fertilize appropriately for grass type.

Addressing shade is the only permanent fix; fungicides provide temporary suppression.