Moss Removal Tips

Because moss grows in damp, shady places, and because it regenerates so quickly after it has been killed or removed, moss removal may be more difficult for us than we might expect. However, there are effective methods and chemicals that will kill or remove them. However, some of the chemicals and methods that are most successful in controlling moss can also be harmful to the environment and to materials in your yard.

This leaves you with two options; you can let the moss grow, or you can learn more about methods and products that are more effective and less harmful in controlling moss growth. Use these five tips to remove or kill moss or inhibit its growth in various applications.

Tip 1 – Get Help From Nature

It is moisture and shade from the sun that encourages moss growth. By removing or inhibiting one or both these natural influences, you can affect the growth of moss in areas where you'd like to see it removed. You are not likely to control nature's moisture, but you may be able to reduce the shade that supports moss growth. For example, in areas shaded from sunlight, you can sometimes remove trees or vegetation that produce the shade.

Tip 2 – Use High-Pressure Water Spray

The power of water under pressure will sometimes successfully remove moss from pavers, concrete, or other hard surfaces. You will need to use care in using this method because the same power that removes moss can also damage or loosen materials such as shingles and siding.

Removing moss by using a power spray will not keep it from growing back.

Tip 3 – Use Chemicals to Kill Moss

There are chemicals that will kill moss, such as those containing ferrous sulfate or ferrous ammonium sulfate. These chemicals, combined with sulfur and iron, typically stimulate the growth of plants that compete with moss for food. This will inhibit the growth of moss.

Warning: The use of chemicals also carries with it the risk of killing flowers, plants, and shrubbery.

Tip 4 - Dig Moss Out of Grass

Generally, moss grows in the grass when the grass lacks sunlight. Often, this happens in warmer climates during winter months when sunlight is reduced. But even in summer months when daylight hours are extended, some lawns are shaded by trees, shrubbery, and even buildings, which will allow moss to grow.

Warning: Chemical treatment may be harmful to grass, depending on the chemical used, and power water spraying will only uproot and damage the grass. So, your best option may be to dig the moss out of the grass.

Tip 5 – Use Powdered Detergent and Bleach

Although not generally viewed as a chemical, powdered laundry detergent has been used successfully in some situations to kill moss. By mixing a cup of powdered detergent with 10 gallons of water you can apply this solution to areas such as patio and kill some of the moss growing on them. In areas where bleach is not likely to damaged property or vegetation, you can combine it with the detergent-water mixture, or dilute the bleach and apply it alone to the mossy area.

With these five tips, you will be able to remove moss from your home. This is especially helpful if it is growing on the foundation of your home.