Ewww, moss. That's a problem I don't like hearing about. Moss takes advantage of poor soil cover in neglected lawns, or where it finds conditions favorable in moist, shady spots. Low soil fertility, acidic pH, poor drainage, compacted soil and too-short mowing also can contribute to the problem.
Your first course of action should be to have your soil tested. Call your local agricultural extension office (On Long Island, call the Cornell Cooperative Extension: 516-228-0426 in Nassau; 631-727-7850 in Suffolk) for information on how to collect a sample and when and where to bring it. They will recommend a course of action for improving the soil, if necessary.
Don't bother spending money on any of the moss-eradication products on the market. While they are effective, their solution is temporary. Without improving conditions, the moss will surely return.
First, rake out the moss. Next, you'll have to make the area inhospitable to prevent its return. Adjust the pH if your soil test indicates you should. If the soil is compacted, core aeration will help. If it's too shady, you'll have to weigh the pros and cons of removing tree limbs or entire trees. If it's damp, consider installing drainage.
The good news is that, although you might find it unsightly, the moss is not aggressively competitive and is generally harmless to your plants.
Comments (1)
This is fine for grass, but what about in flower beds? Every year i dig outthe moss, only to have it return in weeks.