Moss

Moss is a very successful plant in the Pacific Northwest, due to our heavy moisture and compacted soils.

This makes it a tough competitor for grass plants in our lawns. Moss indicates poor growing conditions for grass, and is not a problem in itself. It usually means the lawn is too shady, wet, compacted or infertile. We can work with you to improve your lawn health and help reduce moss in your lawn. But moss will still grow in areas unsuited for good grass growth.

What In Harmony can do

• Apply a moss control treatment. Iron is used to burn the moss, turning it black. The iron will not harm the grass or the environment.

What you can do

• Rake out the moss, using a thatching rake, once it turns black. The dead moss will choke your lawn. If the moss is very thick, a thatching machine will make the work much easier.

Note on moss control

Attempts to control moss in fall and winter are counterproductive because temperatures are not warm enough for grass to fill in thin and bare areas. Areas where moss has been removed will remain bare or, more likely, grow more moss. We recommend waiting until early spring to remove moss.

If moss is a persistent problem, In Harmony can:

• Renovate your lawn in spring or fall to correct the problems preventing healthy grass growth. Aeration, overseeding and fertilization will make your lawn healthier.
• Install drainage or break up compacted soil to reduce moisture in soggy lawn areas.
• Replace your lawn with groundcovers in areas where shade limits grass growth.

References

Moss in the Landscape: Friend or Foe? Robson, M. Washington State University Cooperative Extension. http://gardening. wsu.edu/column/10-08-00.htm November 11,2000.
Moss. Dickey, P. Pro IPM: Integrated Pest Management Solutions for the Landscaping Professional. 2000.