The Overlooked Reason Why Moss Is Growing In Your Lawn And What To Do About It

If you've just seeded your lawn in spring or early fall, you might be thrilled to see those first sprigs of green emerging from the soil. But a closer look could reveal that your lawn isn't bursting forth with beautiful turf, and those green shoots are actually moss taking over the soil. Some people may not be bothered by the presence of moss in their lawn. It's green, after all! Moss can even be planted intentionally as a grass alternative for a lush green lawn that's easy to care for. However, soggy patches of moss can detract from the soft, lush grass blades that most homeowners hope for. If you come across a dense breakout of moss, it's probably because that area of your yard isn't receiving enough direct sunlight to encourage healthy grass growth.

You may enjoy lounging in the shade, but your turf grass most likely does not. Too much shade can also allow for excess moisture and decrease drainage in an area, exacerbating a moss problem. Here's why moss is choking out your grass and the steps you should take to get rid of it.

Moss tends to grow more aggressively during spring and autumn, when conditions are cool and wet. Unfortunately, many grass species also start to emerge in spring, early summer, and autumn, so the two species find themselves competing for territory on your lawn. Grass requires a lot of sunlight, so moss naturally wins out in the shade, especially in damp areas that receive less than three hours of direct sunlight per day. For example, you might first notice moss growing in the shadow of a fence, near the foundation of your home, or next to a rain gutter spout. Sheet moss, cushion moss, fern moss, and haircap moss are three types of moss that will happily take up residence in shady soil. 

While most mosses tend to prefer cool, damp, and shady conditions, there are a few species that can pop up almost anywhere in your yard. These include seductive Entodon moss, Bryum moss, and pincushion moss. These tough species don't mind a little sunbathing. However, they won't survive without consistent moisture, so if you see these mosses growing in sunny areas, it may indicate a separate issue with your lawn's health.

If you determine that one of the shade-loving moss species is your culprit, the best thing you can do is turn up the light. Of course, you can't change the intensity of the sun or the direction in which it casts light on your lawn. What you can do is trim shrubs and overhead branches to help more light pass through to the ground. You can even move small structures like a shed, gazebo, or patio umbrella if they're contributing too much shade. With enough sunlight, the moss should dry out and whither away, leaving more space for your grass to take root. Increased sunlight can help to dry out the soil, too, ensuring the moss won't come back easily.

After doing all you can to bring more light into your lawn, if the moss persists, you may have to explore other tactics. Try raking up the moss and reseeding the area, making sure that you use a shade-friendly grass species. Zoysia grass and fescues are some of the best types of grass to grow under trees. Large patches of moss can be an indication that your soil lacks nitrogen, so consider adding nutrients before reseeding. As a last resort, you can turn to moss treatments or explore homemade gardening hacks to remove moss. If all else fails, look at the bright side! Plenty of people choose to leave moss in their lawn because it helps fill in bare patches, retain moisture, and create a plusher feeling underfoot.