rec.gardens.ecosystems homepage -> archive: MOD$020101.15876@rec.gardens.ecosystems



Subject: Re: How to get rid of Moss
From: "Bill Robinson" <roseguy@gte.net>
Organization:
Date: Tue, 01 Jan 02 10:39:04
Message-ID: <MOD$020101.15876@rec.gardens.ecosystems>



Val asks about getting rid of moss in lawn without the use of
commercial moss killers.

The books say that moss is usually associated with soils that
are compacted, watterlogged, and low in mineral nutrients. You
might simply try to improve your drainage and improve your soil
by aeration, feeding, and cutting back on the water. Maybe going
over to a lawn variety that does well in your area but requires
less water might be a thought as well

The Agricultural Extension Services for the University of North
Carolina has an on-line publication, "Algae and Moss Control in Turf"
at http://www.turffiles.ncsu.edu/pubs/tm20.html . They talk about the use
of copper or iron salts for moss control. I believe Scott's Moss Killer,
which you mention, is based on ferrous ammonium sulfate which is
relatively non-toxic and relatively environmentally friendly.

Chemical fixes of the moss, however, is not as good an answer as
a basic fix of the cause. Fix the soil and drainage.

Bill

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