I have moss growing in my lawn. Why is that? Is it a problem? Should I get rid of it? If so, how?

Moss, like any other weed, is very opportunistic – where the ground is bare and conditions are somewhat favorable, it will grow. Moss can be very beautiful in the right setting, but in the lawn it is a weed.

Moss grows in most any soil, in sun or shade, under acid or alkaline soil conditions. It tends to do best where the soil is slightly to heavily compacted and where it is frequently moist.

Moss hugs the ground tightly but has no root system. Large areas can simply be raked off. Burn-off type killers such as Security Moss and Mildew Killer, and Scott’s Moss Control for Lawns quickly turn the moss brown. It will then disintegrate into the soil or can be raked away.

To prevent the moss from growing back, loosen the soil, aerate if practical, and reseed the large spots. Remember, your best deterrent against any weed (including moss) is a good, thick turf.