Removing Moss

[Garandman]

We have a good sized patch of moss in our back yard: probably 75 x 35'. The home inspector said it's because there's a spring underneath and it's too wet for grass to grow.

But I'm wondering if I dug it out and planted grass seed there, would the grass take over? This summer has been really try but we could water the grass to get it started.

 

[dickfoster]

We have a good sized patch of moss in our back yard: probably 75 x 35'. The home inspector said it's because there's a spring underneath and it's too wet for grass to grow.

But I'm wondering if I dug it out and planted grass seed there, would the grass take over? This summer has been really try but we could water the grass to get it started.

Is there any sun? Moss doesn't usually grow in the sun but grass needs it.

 

[prichard]

Sounds like a good stop to dig a pond. :thumbsup:

 

[Sprinklerman]

I have moss in my backyard , there is no spring . My neighbor has moss on her roof , I doubt there is a spring there . I think the home inspector doesnt have a clue .

 

[Qapla]

We have quite a bit of moss in our trees - but then, that is Spanish Moss

We also have some Deer Moss under the pine trees - we have a small pine area/forest

However, we do NOT have any springs.

Like was already mentioned, if you want to grow grass in that area, it needs sunshine.

There are some shade tolerant grasses and even some that like wet soil.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Moss grows in shade and acidic soil. Get rid of shade, add lime to your soil, and no more moss.

 

[MossRoad]

Now why would you want to get rid of Moss?

 

[MossRoad]

We have a good sized patch of moss in our back yard: probably 75 x 35'. The home inspector said it's because there's a spring underneath and it's too wet for grass to grow.

But I'm wondering if I dug it out and planted grass seed there, would the grass take over? This summer has been really try but we could water the grass to get it started.

Here's a link to a pretty good article about moss and grass.
Why Does Moss Grow In Areas Of My Lawn And Not My Grass? (212)

When I was a kid, we lived in the woods. We had moss in most places, not grass. We liked it that way as kids, because dad never made us go out and mow the moss on Saturday!

 

[George2615]

I have moss growing on my garage roof. The roof is shaded most of the day by a very large pine. Garage has the standard shingled roof. Every year I have to get up there with a shovel and scrape it off (Sorry Moss).

 

[JRobyn]

Try "Ironite" granules. Worked in our yard in ATL.

 

[CADplans]

Moss grows in shade and acidic soil. Get rid of shade, add lime to your soil, and no more moss.

Some moss may prefer acidic conditions,,,
but, I have 30 acres of woods, and there is an abundance of limestone rock,,
Limestone rock is what they grind up to make the stuff they sell at the big box store in 40 pound bags.

All of the undisturbed rocks are covered with moss.
So, my moss must like alkaline conditions,,,

If I move the rocks, it really disturbs the moss,, and it can take a decade to grow back.

Maybe, if the OP is lucky, maybe all that needs to be done is till the soil, and enjoy grass without the moss for 10 years!! :thumbsup:

 

[PILOON]

Read that for moss on roofs that zinc strips will prevent moss growth when placed on the eaves.
Being the case some sort of zinc compound should do the trick.

 

[KennyG]

Read that for moss on roofs that zinc strips will prevent moss growth when placed on the eaves.
Being the case some sort of zinc compound should do the trick.

I think you mean "placed on the peak". The rain has to run over the zinc and then the roof to be effective.

 

[PILOON]

I think you mean "placed on the peak". The rain has to run over the zinc and then the roof to be effective.

LOL, correct! stand corrected (senior moment)

 

[CADplans]

LOL, correct! stand corrected (senior moment)

I read that using copper will eliminate the "black" off a shingle roof,, same thing, install it at the top.
Is the "black" possibly a moss?

I have the copper, and will install it,,,,, some day!! :laughing:

 

[Garandman]

Moss grows in shade and acidic soil. Get rid of shade, add lime to your soil, and no more moss.

Plenty of sun, I think you are on track with the acidic soil. I dumped some stove ashes in the moss area and it wiped out the moss. Believe ash is highly alkaline.

 

[MossRoad]

If there's plenty of sun, I'd till up the area, get a little soil test kit, take some samples and see what you've got. Then amend the soil and plant grass.

 

[MAX28HST]

Aluminum sulfate / iron sulfate... Knocks down the high alkaline soil conditions.