How to Stop Lawn Moss

Overview

Moss can easily take over a lawn, especially if several moss-inducing factors exist. To get rid of moss that's growing on your lawn, you must first understand what causes the moss to grow so well. Moss loves shade, infertile and compacted soil, low soil pH and poor water drainage. So if you make your lawn fertile, with well-drained and high-pH soil, and sunny, you'll eradicate your moss problem.

Step 1

Reduce the amount of shade over your lawn. Cut down some tree branches or whole trees where the moss has taken over. More direct sunlight on your lawn will keep the moss at bay.

Step 2

Aerate your lawn with a plug-punch lawn aerator in the early fall to improve drainage. Make a pass over the length of the lawn area, then a second pass across the width and a third pass diagonally across the lawn. Fill the holes with sharp sand or grit.

Step 3

Spread one inch of organic compost over your lawn. Do this after aerating the lawn area.

Step 4

Test the soil pH and adjust it accordingly. Moss likes a low pH (high acid). Purchase a soil pH test kit, and if your soil pH is lower than 6.5, spread a layer of lime over your lawn, following the dosage instructions on the package.

Step 5

Feed your lawn a dose of slow-release grass fertilizer in the spring and summer. Feed your lawn again in October with an all-purpose lawn fertilizer. Follow the dosage instructions on the package.