Mowing Slopes Safely and Controlling Lawn Moss

Equipment for Sloped Lawns

A homeowner struggled with a Toro mower on a slope and had moss patches.

Mowing Steep Slopes

• Best: Self-propelled push mower with power drive. Reduces physical effort.
• Avoid: Riding mowers on steep slopes—tip-over hazard.
• Alternative: String trimmer for steep/small areas. With practice, gives neat appearance.

Moss Control: Fix the Cause, Not Just the Symptom

Moss indicates conditions unfavorable to grass: compaction, poor drainage, low fertility, excessive shade, acidic soil.

Cultural Corrections

• Core aerate: Relieves compaction, improves drainage.
• Soil test: Lime if pH <6.0.
• Improve drainage: Grading, French drains, sand amendment for clay.
• Reduce shade: Prune trees/shrubs.
• Fertilize appropriately: Grass outcompetes moss in fertile soil.

Chemical Moss Killers (Temporary Without Cultural Fix)

• Safer's Moss Killer: Soap-based, eco-friendly. Victor Pest (Canada).
• Herbicidal fatty acid soaps: "Organic herbicides" at garden centers.
• Iron sulfate products: "EverGreen Complete" (MCPA, mecoprop-P, ferrous sulfate).
• Dichlorophene / cresylic acid: Contact action, no residual—moss returns if culture unchanged.
• Bromoxynil: For moss + clover.

Application Timing

Best: Mild weather, moist soil—September, February, March. Read labels. Use PPE.