Getting rid of moss?

Question

I have a large area of lawn that suffers a lot of shade. Unfortunately it has been taken over by moss which is now spreading over the rest of the lawn. Should I just leave it...at least it's green or try and remove it?

Answer 1

Get a chisel and scrape it off!

Answer 2

Well depends, I personally would love a moss patch but I know they can be slippery, do you use that area? you can buy shade tolerent grasses but do you want to go to the trouble, as you said it is green, and costing you nothing!

Answer 3

I have the same problem...been dealing with it for years...shade + moisture (or constant moist soil)=moss.

other than completely striping the soil and replacing it there isn't too much you can do other than try to control it.

Scotts makes a fertilizer with a moss control ingredient...about $15.00 to treat 5,000 sq feet. It does work...only drawback is it's a temporary fix. I apply the moss control in mid may and am ready for a late application now.

Along with the moss control (Scotts) I am experimenting with letting the grass grow higher between mowings... and it does seem to be helping...keeping the grass higher seems to allow the root system to expand and with the moss control...hopfully expanding into the mossy areas. My back yard was the worst...and four months into this process has seen a marked improvement (less moss, lush lawn)

some people do like the feel and look of moss...and in a sense I do to...but...moss will grow and cover EVERYTHING if not controlled.

Answer 4

It's up to you if you want to remove the moss as moss is pretty to some people and not so pretty to others.  I'd keep the moss as the moss keeps more (ob)noxious weeds like crabgrass from growing!