How to Get Rid of Moss in Your Lawn in Northeast OH

As you take a walk on your lawn, you might wonder why in some areas you’re seeing patches of moss pop up?

Sure, moss may not be as bad as a weed, but it might as well be when it ruins the appearance of your thick, green grass. 

And while moss is a plant with a shallow root system, it’s just as opportunistic as weeds, meaning it will grow anywhere your grass isn’t thick enough to keep it out. 

Moss might also be a sign that your lawn may need some attention. 

Let’s talk about moss growing on your lawn in Northeast Ohio, why it’s there, and how to get rid of moss on grass so you can get back to your previously scheduled lawn enjoyment. 

Why Is Moss Growing On Your Lawn

Moss can be kind of a menace the way it stands out visually from your normal grass.

You want to enjoy your yard, maybe play fetch with your dog or hang out with your family on the patio. You certainly don’t need a nasty lawn appearance distracting you and making your property look unkempt. 

Here we dive into what makes moss grow and how to get rid of moss on grass so you can better understand how to prevent it. 

What Is a Mossy Lawn?

Moss growing on your lawn can make your lawn look uneven when it comes to color. This can make your lawn look like a bit of an eyesore. 

This is because moss is a spore-bearing plant that has a green, sponge-like appearance, which is quite different from your normal grass. 

Why Do I Have a Mossy Lawn?

There are a few reasons why you might have a mossy lawn. 
                       
The main culprit that leads to moss in grass usually has to do with the surrounding environmental conditions, such as excess moisture and poor drainage. 

Moss can also crop up due to poor soil pH. For instance, soil that is too acidic can promote moss growth. 

Where Does Moss Grow in a Lawn? 

Moss tends to thrive in wet conditions. So if you have a shady area of your yard that doesn't get much sun or air circulation, you might find moss there. 

Or maybe you have an area of your lawn with poor drainage. This spot can also be more prone to moss growth. 

Moss growing on your lawn will also tend to happen when your grass has more thatch, which is a layer of dead and living organic matter that builds up between the soil and grass.  

How to Get Rid of Moss on Your Lawn in Northeast Ohio 

As you address the root issues that are causing a mossy lawn, it’s best to address all of the issues in order to prevent further moss growth. 

Let’s go over the best ways to get rid of moss.

Address the Environmental Conditions

To get rid of moss on your lawn, you may need to look at the environmental conditions in areas of your yard where it’s growing. Why? Because if you don't, moss will just grow back again.

If you have a drainage, thatch or compaction problem in your lawn, for example, aeration can help you solve this. Aeration is the removal of small plugs of soil with an aerator. This helps your lawn breathe by breaking up compaction and enabling the soil and roots to absorb oxygen, nutrients and water much more easily. This also helps improve drainage by breaking up thatch and getting water to penetrate to the root zone versus staying on the surface where it can promote moss growth. 

Also, if you have a shady spot, pruning nearby trees could help let some sunlight in and fix those conditions, stopping moss growth. 

Talking to your lawn care professional about what’s going on in your yard, as well as options to fix your mossy lawn can help.

Don’t Neglect Correct Lawn Care Practices

In addition to using the tactics above to get rid of moss on your lawn, you also want to focus on proper lawn care practices. These tactics when done right create a thick, healthy, thriving lawn, which is your best defense against moss and weeds. 

What does adequate lawn maintenance look like? It starts with mowing to a 3- to 4-inch height to keep your lawn from stressing out. Then you want to provide the proper nutrient balance through regular fertilization. Next, you should supplement your lawn with longer, infrequent irrigation at about 1 to 2 inches a week, which includes rainfall. Finally, you want to aerate annually and overseed when necessary to reduce compaction and fill in bare spots. 

Your main goal is to create the best environment for your lawn to grow and give moss less of a chance to find its ways into your lawn.

Turf Pride Can Help You Fight a Mossy Lawn

Moss growing on your lawn can certainly ruin a great expanse of grass. No one in Northeast Ohio wants that. 

You don’t want to give moss even a slightest opportunity to take over a section of your lawn, or it will definitely use it to keep growing

You might be so focused on the nice weather that you don’t realize before it’s too late that you have moss slowly taking over your lawn. And you may think it’s too late to take action when you notice your good-looking grass has become spotty with moss. 

Turf Pride can help you by providing a complete, proactive lawn care program that includes everything you need to keep your lawn strong – proper organic-based fertilization; pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control treatments; and aeration and overseeding services. We also answer questions and offer solid advice when you need it.

When you have a professional eye on your property who can recognize moss and other problems, you can keep any surprising issues from sneaking in and ensure you have a lawn you’re not embarrassed to call home. 

Ready to learn why Turf Pride could be your choice for lawn care services in Northeast Ohio? We’re excited to learn more about you and help you have the best lawn on the block. Get started today with a free quote. Together, we can prepare a customized plan that is perfect for you and your lawn.