Moss can be a frustrating weed to deal with in your yard or garden Its fine texture allows it to spread aggressively smothering grass and other plants While moss thrives in the damp cool conditions of spring and fall, you can battle moss invasion any time of year. With the right techniques, you can kill or remove moss without damaging nearby plants.
Why Kill Moss?
Moss may seem harmless, but this opportunistic plant can cause problems in your yard and garden A moss infestation can:
- Crowd out grass, leaving bald patches on your lawn
- Creep from the lawn into garden beds, smothering other plants
- Indicate acidic, poorly draining, or perpetually damp soil
- Create a soggy area that is prone to slipping hazards
Getting rid of moss can improve the health and appearance of your yard It also addresses the underlying issues that allow moss to thrive
Moss Removal vs Moss Killer
You have two options for dealing with a moss problem:
Removal
- Physically take up the moss to get rid of it immediately. However, spores left behind may allow the moss to regrow.
Herbicides
- Chemical killers designed to destroy moss at the roots so it dies quickly. But herbicide can drift onto nearby plants.
Both techniques have pros and cons. Often the best approach is to use both – start by killing the moss with an herbicide, then remove the dead moss so it cannot release spores.
Remove Moss Without Herbicides
If you want to get rid of moss without chemicals, manual removal is your best option. Here are some simple methods:
Hand Pull Moss
In a garden bed or around other plants, carefully pluck moss by hand to remove patches and limit spread. Try to pull up all of the plant, including the shallow roots. This works best for young, light moss growth
Rake or Shovel Moss
Use a metal rake or shovel to scrape up moss from your lawn or hardscape areas. Aim to remove roots and all for permanent results. Dispose of the moss waste in sealed bags.
Power Wash Moss
Adjust a power washer to a wide fan spray and medium/low pressure. Blast moss away from driveways, sidewalks, patios, and other hard surfaces. The moss should wash away without damaging the material underneath.
Salt or Vinegar
For lighter moss growth, make a solution of 1 part salt to 10 parts water or full-strength white vinegar. Apply it to moss patches and let it sit for a few hours before scrubbing the dead moss away with a brush. Avoid getting salt or vinegar solution on desired plants!
Baking Soda Spray
Make a natural moss killer spray by mixing 1 box of baking soda with 2 gallons of water. Spray liberally over moss. After 24 hours, rake up the dead moss. Baking soda raises the pH, making conditions less hospitable for moss.
Kill Moss With Herbicide
Chemical moss killers offer an easy and effective way to get rid of moss. Look for an iron-based herbicide specifically labeled for moss control. Check the product description to ensure your plants are on the “safe for use around” list. Here are some application tips:
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Spot treat only moss-affected areas, avoiding contact with grass and garden plants. Use a spray shield if needed.
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Apply on a calm day to prevent drift onto desirable plants. Mist the surrounding area with water first so the herbicide adheres to wet moss.
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Allow the herbicide to fully dry on the moss according to product instructions before watering the area.
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Wait at least 2 weeks before reseeding treated areas. Fertilize to help grass recover the space.
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Dispose of dead moss after herbicide treatment. Rake or shovel it up once dry and brown.
Natural Ways to Deter Moss
In addition to removal and herbicides, certain household products can help discourage moss regrowth:
Salt:
Spread salt directly on moss or use salty ocean water. Concentrated salt draws moisture out of the moss. Avoid getting salt on grass or plants!
Buttermilk:
The acids in buttermilk change the pH balance to make conditions less hospitable for moss. Spray it on lightly. Reapply weekly as needed.
Corn Gluten Meal:
This organic lawn fertilizer inhibits moss growth. Apply in early spring before moss takes hold. Reapply as directed on package.
Vinegar:
Full strength white vinegar applied directly to moss can help kill it. However, vinegar can also damage some plants, so use caution and avoid roots.
Adjust Conditions to Prevent Moss
Removing existing moss is only half the battle. To prevent moss regrowth, you need to correct the underlying issues that allow it to thrive. Here are some common causes of moss and how to remedy them:
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Excess Moisture: Improve drainage and reduce irrigation to dry out moss habitat.
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Compacted Soil: Aerate annually to improve drainage and allow grass to fill in.
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Too Much Shade: Prune overhead trees or choose shade-tolerant grass seed.
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Low Soil pH: Apply lime regularly to raise pH of acidic soil.
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Poor Grass Growth: Overseed thin lawns and fertilize to thicken up turf.
With persistence, you can eradicate existing moss and keep your lawn and garden moss-free. Killing moss without harming other plants just takes some careful herbicide application and manual removal. Adjusting conditions to favor vigorous grass growth instead of moss will provide long-term prevention.
Expert ResponseHello, I researched previous “Ask Extension” questions on this topic as well as other Oregon State University information. If you live on the west side of the state, you have more rain, and you will have moss! I live over on the east side and moss/slugs just not an issue for us, ha ha. Here is some info for you: Ask Extension previous questions/answers: Removing moss from Brass Buttons (Leptinella squalida) groundcover #446521
Asked April 06, 2018, 1:32 PM EDT I have replaced the lawn in my yard with Brass Buttons groundcover. Unfortunately, weather conditions last winter has left if overrun with moss. In a small area I can dig out the moss with a fork, but this year there is far too much for that approach. One can find many brands of lawn chemicals with moss remover. Would these be safe for use with the groundcover? If so, how bad are they from an environmental standpoint?
The CHEAPEST Method to Kill Moss
FAQ
How do you kill moss not plants?
You can mix either gentle dish soap or baking soda with lukewarm water to create an effective DIY herbicide that will kill moss. If you are using soap, mix 2-4 ounces with two gallons of water. For the baking soda method, mix 2 gallons of water with a small box of baking soda, the sort they sell for fridge deodorizing.
Does vinegar kill moss permanently?
Yes, vinegar will kill the plants, because vinegar is like acid rain, which can damage any green living thing. Bleach will also kill it. The dead moss will be easier to scrape off. Or, scrape it off while it’s still green with a dull scraper, and hose down any earth that remains.
What is the best homemade moss killer?
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Vinegar:
- Vinegar’s acidity can kill moss, so a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water is effective.
- Apply the solution to mossy areas and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before rinsing.
- You can also add a few drops of dish soap to the vinegar solution to help it stick to sloped surfaces.
- Vinegar’s acidity can kill moss, so a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water is effective.
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Baking Soda:
- Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda with one liter of water and spray it on mossy areas.
- Apply on a warm, dry day with no rain in sight.
- After a few days, the moss should dry up and can be brushed off.
- Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda with one liter of water and spray it on mossy areas.
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Other Options:
- Dish Soap: Mix 2-4 ounces of gentle dish soap with two gallons of water.
- Hot Water: Pouring hot water on moss patches can help kill the moss and loosen it for removal.
- Salt: Boiling water with a combination of salt or vinegar can be used for an effective and natural solution.
- Dish Soap: Mix 2-4 ounces of gentle dish soap with two gallons of water.
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Prevention:
- Sunlight: Moss thrives in shaded areas, so try to increase sunlight exposure to discourage moss growth.
- Water Restriction: Moss grows best with plenty of moisture, so avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage.
- Rake or brush: Remove existing moss with a leaf blower or hand brush.
- Sunlight: Moss thrives in shaded areas, so try to increase sunlight exposure to discourage moss growth.
Does Dawn dish soap kill moss?
- How it works: Dish soap contains alkaline materials that can disrupt the waxy coating on moss cells, causing them to dry out and die.
- Preparation: Mix 2 ounces of dish soap with 1 gallon of water in a spray bottle.
- Application: Spray the solution onto the mossy areas, ensuring the moss is thoroughly saturated.
- Results: You should see the moss turn brown and dry up within a day or two.
- Important Considerations:
- This method is a temporary solution, and moss may return if conditions are favorable.
- Consider the health of any nearby water sources if your lawn drains into them, as dish soap can contain chemical ingredients.
- Rake up the dead moss and consider replacing it with grass seed or other shade-loving plants.
- This method is a temporary solution, and moss may return if conditions are favorable.
How do you kill Moss?
Herbicides – Chemical killers designed to destroy moss at the roots so it dies quickly. But herbicide can drift onto nearby plants. Both techniques have pros and cons. Often the best approach is to use both – start by killing the moss with an herbicide, then remove the dead moss so it cannot release spores.
How do you remove moss from a lawn?
To remove moss from a lawn, mix 4 gallons of water and 5 ounces of iron sulfate per 1,000 square feet of lawn and apply the mixture to the entire lawn using a garden sprayer. Pay attention to the bare areas or those still featuring moss. The iron sulfate mixture takes several days to completely kill the remaining moss.
Do moss killers kill grass?
Lawn moss killers that use iron and naturally occurring iron substances, like ferrous sulfate, are very good at getting rid of moss because they dry out, turn black, and die. Lilly Miller’s Moss Out! line of moss killers includes several iron-based products that will quickly kill lawn moss and help your grass:
How do you get rid of moss in a kitchen?
Try one or more until you get the moss-free surface you want. This natural homemade moss killer uses ingredients you can find in your kitchen. Mix the water, salt, and vinegar in a bucket, and then add as much soap as needed, as long as it totals less than 20 percent of the mixture.
Does vinegar kill Moss?
Vinegar: Full strength white vinegar applied directly to moss can help kill it. However, vinegar can also damage some plants, so use caution and avoid roots. Removing existing moss is only half the battle. To prevent moss regrowth, you need to correct the underlying issues that allow it to thrive.
How do you kill moss with dish soap?
It’s easy to learn how to kill moss with this recipe that costs pennies to whip up. Just follow these three steps. For small patches, mix in a garden hand sprayer 2 ounces of dish soap and 1 gallon of water. Use gentle liquid dish soap, such as blue Dawn, which you’ll find in most grocery stores.