Moss usually creeps all over your lawn, competing with your grasses. While it isn’t harmful to your turf, you don’t want it overtaking your yard. The problem with moss is not itself but what makes it thrive on your property. Our lawn treatments service providers in Chesterfield, MO, are here to clarify some things about moss.
Moss isn’t like other weeds, so common weed killers won’t do anything. This ancient plant doesn’t have true roots and is easy to remove, provided you understand its cause and take some steps. While it isn’t detrimental to your grass like other weeds, moss indicates your lawn is struggling. Common causes for lawn moss include excessive shade, compacted soil, low soil pH (acidic), or poor drainage. In conclusion, moss won’t kill your grass, but the conditions that led to it could.
Moss is a Sign of Poor Lawn Care
Our lawn fertilization and weed control company in Chesterfield, MO, warn that if you recognize some of the lawn practices in the list below, you need a proper lawn maintenance plan implemented by professionals:
- Irregular lawn mowing;
- Cutting the grass too short;
- Skipping seasonal soil aeration;
- Poor use or no use of lawn fertilizers and weed control substances;
- No regular removal of thatch;
- Not removing fallen leaves from the ground through autumn and winter.
The Use of Moss Killer
Most dedicated moss killers contain iron sulfate. It will kill the moss by turning it black. You can remove the dead moss in a few days with a rake. Most such substance blends also feed your lawn, giving your grasses the chance to reclaim their territory and grow thick and healthy. Our weed control company in Chesterfield, MO, recommends liquid moss killers as they are more efficient than other blends on the market.
Moss Prevention and Lawn Care Tips
If you want to prevent moss from conquering your lawn, make it less hospitable to it. The best way is to solve the problems that led to moss growth in the first place and engaging in integrated, complex lawn and landscape maintenance:
- If tree branches cast a shadow over large lawn areas, prune them. You can also try growing shade-tolerant grasses, like tall fescue.
- Apply lime to make your soil less acidic;
- Engage in regular soil fertilization and amendments;
- Fix your lawn’s drainage problems;
- Aerate the soil regularly.
If you need help this season with moss removal and killing, lawn fertilization, weed control, or dedicated soil amending programs, don’t hesitate to call our lawn treatments company in Chesterfield, MO!